If you're in the process of planning a winter getaway, Peru should be on your shortlist. In addition to the popular tourist attractions, such as Machu Picchu, there are some less familiar locations that are also exciting. To help get you started, here are just four of the exciting things you should do during your Peruvian vacation.
Visit the Rain Forests
If you've always wanted to visit the Amazon rain forest, Peru is the perfect place for this. In fact, the Peruvian rain forest covers more than 60% of the country. You can travel to the rain forest by bus, but it's easier to catch a small plane to Puerto Maldonado and then travel the rest of the way by boat. Once you're in the rain forest, you'll be face to face with lush green forests and plenty of exotic animals—including the howler monkeys.
Hike Through Colca Canyon
If you've ever been to the Grand Canyon in the US, you know firsthand how deep it is. The Colca Canyon in Peru is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. One of the things that sets the Colca Canyon apart from the Grand Canyon is that you travel along trails that rest up against vast volcanoes. While you're traveling through the canyon, you'll also get to see the beautiful Andean Condor, which is the largest flying bird in the world. It has a wing span of about nine feet.
Explore the Floating Islands
While you're in Peru, you should head to Lake Titicaca and explore the Floating Islands. Lake Titicaca is home to the Uros Islands—a string of over 40 islands made entirely of reed. These floating islands are home to the Uros tribe, which dates back beyond the Aztec civilization. While on the islands, you can participate in festivals that celebrate the formation of the islands.
Go Sandboarding in Huacachina
If you've never been sandboarding, you need to give it a try while you're in Peru. Huacachina is home to a natural lake that's surrounded by huge sand dunes. The soft sands of the dunes create the perfect location for sandboarding. Not sure what equipment you'd use for sandboarding? You use the same boards you'd use for snowboarding. You don't have to bring your own equipment. There's plenty to rent—or borrow—from locals. Not sure you want to go sandboarding? You can also catch a ride on a high-speed dune buggy.
Now that you're planning a trip to Peru, don't forget to add some of the hidden treasures to your list of things to do and places to go. For a real treat during your Peruvian vacation, talk to a travel guide, such as one from Kuoda Personalized Travel, about adding some of the previous suggestions to your scheduled activities.
