Peru is a must-go destination in South America and home to some of the most breathtaking historical sites on the continent. Tourists who want to discover more than Machu Picchu will find out the country has endless attractions.Every region in Peru is filled with history, lakes, forests, mountains, and panoramic views, making it a perfect place for social media fans. On top of that, it is also one of the best gastronomic destinations in the world. Here are the ten Instagrammable things to do in Peru.
10 Watching The Sunset At The Oasis
While most people travel to Peru to see the Machu Picchu, some fantastic places are still overlooked – and Huacachina is one of them. The small village was built in the middle of the dunes and around a lake. The small Oasis is home to nearly a hundred people, and tourism has become an essential income source.
Dune buggies and sand-boarding are the most popular activities among tourists. Taking pictures of Huacachina from the top of the dunes guarantees a perfect shot, especially during the sunset.
9 Take Advantage of The Impressive Peruvian Nature
Peru is known for the Inca architecture, which has fascinated the world through the centuries. Yet, the nature in the South American country is just as impressive. Peru is home to countless lakes and they look amazing in pictures. While many of them require some trekking, others can be reached after walking a few meters.
In the region of Áncash, Huaraz has more than 600 lakes, many of which have turquoise waters. The Laguna Parón is one of the most beautiful in the region views and climbing the hill that overlooks the lagoon is worth it.
8 Avoid Tourists By Exploring Overlooked Places
Peru is one of the most popular destinations in South America and visitors often have to fight for a spot when taking pictures. It is possible to avoid crowds of tourists in Peru by visiting little-known places. Luckily, the South American country has countless hidden gems and the turquoise waters of Millpu are one of them.
As the place isn't close to popular touristic destinations such as Cusco or Lima, visitors can take their time to relax and take the best pictures. The best time to visit is between May and December, during the dry season.
7 Taking A Cruise In The Floating Islands
The country is also home to Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. The Uros floating islands are in the middle of the lake, and they were reportedly created by the earliest inhabitants of the region hundreds of years ago – predating the Incas.
The artificial islands of Uros are made of Totora reeds, and so are the boats they use. It is a unique place and it is now one of the most important tourist attractions in the region. Visitors can take daily tours or sleep on the islands for one night.
6 Travel To Machu Picchu In A Different Way
There are several ways to reach the Machu Picchu and traveling by train is definitely the most comfortable one. Inca Rail and Peru Rail took it to a whole new level by offering scenic trains with panoramic views – Inca Rail also has an outdoor observatory wagon. It is perfect for people traveling during the day, so they can see the Andean landscape from a different perspective.
The train is quite popular among influencers and content creators. They often depart from Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
5 Discover One Of The Most Recent Tourist Attractions
Vinicunca is the most recent attraction in Peru. It was only discovered in 2015, after the snow that covered the mountains melted, revealing a colorful geological formation. According to CNBC, the place, a.k.a Rainbow Mountain or Seven Color Mountain, rapidly became one of the most popular attractions in Peru, receiving nearly 1,500 visitors per day.
The mountain is among the must-go destinations for hiking-lovers visiting Cusco. After reaching the hill's summit, visitors can also take pictures with the famous Peruvian alpacas or llamas with the mountain in the background.
4 Deep Into The Most Important Forest In The Planet
Although many people might believe the Amazon forest is only concentrated in Brazil, the largest rainforest in the world actually spreads across nine countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. The forest covers two-thirds of the Peruvian territory, and having the chance to explore it on a cruise is not only an Instagrammable experience but a chance to be immersed in nature.
Cruises in the Peruvian Amazon are often described as a complete jungle immersion, and they go through Iquitos, Puerto Maldonato, and Manu National Park.
3 Beaches In Peru Can Be Breathtaking
Peru is not really known for its beaches, but the Playa Roja (Red Beach) is one of the most impressive spots in the country. Located at the National Reserve of Paracas, the red sand contrasts with the sea and guarantees excellent pictures.
It is possible to visit the place on a bus tour and also by bike or ATV. Another popular stop during the tour is Playa de la Mina, an almost-desert beach where visitors can swim. There are a few restaurants for lunch, but it is recommended to bring water and snacks for the day.
2 Enjoy The Peruvian Cuisine With A View
For food-lovers, there is no other place like Peru. Since 2013, the country has been elected the world's best culinary destination every single year. The traditional dishes date from the pre-colonial era, but the reputation came after Peruvian chefs have emerged among the best chefs in the world.
Probably, ceviche is the most famous Peruvian dish, but the sky is the limit in Peruvian cuisine. To make the experience even better, some restaurants offer incredible views. In Cusco, guests can enjoy their meal while having a panoramic view from the central plaza.
1 Getting Lost in The Streets and Markets
The idea of filling the days with activities in Peru is tempting. Yet, having a free day to explore the colorful streets and markets might bring amazing surprises and shots. The South American country is vibrant, and casually exploring the neighborhoods can result in one of the most enjoyable days of the trip and some of the best pictures.
While walking in the markets, the carpets and blankets hanging in the shops can create a perfect scenario for photography. There are several inspirations for it on social media.