Things to do in Peru
If you're considering a move to Peru, why not make the most of this time by discovering the country and learning more about its history, culture, and geography?
Indeed, Peru offers many leisure activities for all tastes and ages, from trekking to sightseeing to sports. Whether you're relocating by yourself or with your family, you're bound to find something that suits your interests.
Exploring regions of Peru
Peru is a country of several distinct geographic regions, from the coastline to the high Andes. Regardless of where you decide to relocate as an expat, it's worth getting to know the other parts of the country. The desert coastline is home to the capital city Lima, buzzing with activity. In the remote Andes mountains, Cuzco is often cited as the most beautiful city in all of South America. The nearby Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are a must during your time in Peru. The southern city of Arequipa, with the beautiful Colca Canyon, is also worth a visit, as is the remote Amazon rainforest, accessible from Iquitos in the north or Puerto Maldonado in the south. Most of these are easily accessible with domestic flights ' perfect for long-weekends or longer excursions.
Sports and outdoor activities
In the mountains, there are many exciting outdoor activities on offer, including mountaineering, hiking, climbing, etc. You can also enjoy many of the iconic multi-day treks such as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and the Santa Cruz trek in the Cordillera Blanca. Rafting is also very popular in the running waters of the Urubamba river around Cuzco. For kayaking enthusiasts, try the Pucallpa in the Amazon region.
For a more relaxing experience of the Peruvian outdoors, there's 2,400 km of coastlines to explore. You'll find many deserted beaches that are ideal for picnics, especially from January to March when temperatures become mild and more pleasant. Try the popular beach town of Mancora to the north, or Paracas in the south, where you can also explore the Ballestas islands, known for its marine wildlife and nicknamed the 'Poor Man's Galapagos'.
For sporty expats, you'll find many sports clubs around the country where you can practise tennis, gymnastics, aerobics, swimming, martial arts, football, basketball, volleyball, etc. Note that many are private clubs where you will need to have a member sponsor you in order to join.
History and culture
Peru is a country full of rich history and culture, and almost all regions boast archaeological sites and museums where you can witness and learn about the Inca and pre-Inca civilizations as well as the country's colonial history. In addition to the famous Machu Picchu, there's the lesser-visited Kuelap ruins in Chachapoyas, several archaeological sites from the Moche civilization in the north, and the mysterious Nazca Lines to the south of Lima.
Each region also boasts distinct cultural traditions, with festivals, museums, and workshops where you can experience them. Why not take part in a weaving workshop in the Sacred Valley, learn about traditional Peruvian textiles, or take a cooking class in Lima to add some Peruvian recipes to your repertoire.
Entertainment
Peru is a dynamic and cosmopolitan country, with many leisure activities to cater to all tastes. In the cities, you'll find cinemas with the latest blockbusters, vibrant bars with live music, nightclubs pulsating into the early morning, world-class museums, art galleries, and more. Most cities also have cultural centres with a varied calendar of activities and events throughout the year.
Children
If you're relocating to Peru with children, they are likely to enjoy all of the above activities ' learning about the history and culture of Peru, and experiencing the beautiful geography of the country. You'll also find lots of activities specifically for children.
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