7 Reasons to Visit Peru

Our reasons for traveling are so different, especially when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community. Some of us love to travel for a fun Bears Week in Sitges, Spain, an uninhibited Leather Weekend in San Francisco, a couple’s getaway to the Bali, or a group vacation with our chosen family to a rented beachfront villa in Turks and Caicos. We encompass a variety of diverse travel personalities, which include queer travelers who enjoy adventurous and culturally immersive travel experiences. If that’s what you enjoy and you need a little trip-planning inspiration, here are seven reasons why you may want to consider Peru for your next vacation. 

Editor’s Note: Those who travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure.

1. Visit the Iconic Machu Picchu
This incredible destination is one of the main reasons most people visit Peru. Considered one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is home to more than 200 bird species unique to the region and over 300 species of orchids. The Inca ruins are not the only remains of ancient civilizations.

2. Explore Pre-Inca Cultures
Machu Picchu may be the king of Peru’s ancient sites, but it’s certainly not the only jewel in Peru’s archaeological crown. A fine selection of fascinating ruins lies scattered around the old Inca capital of Cusco, while many cities have pre-Columbian structures nearby.

You can’t leave Peru without seeing the enigmatic Nazca Lines, the impressive Inca ruin of Saqsaywamán near Cusco, massive Moche ruins around Trujillo, ancient tombs near Chiclayo, and the fortress of Kuelap near Chachapoyas.

In the north,  adventurous travelers will find ancient civilizations in the city of Chan Chan, touted as the biggest mud city in the world. In the south, you can find jaw-dropping evidence of ancient cultures at Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and of course, explore Nazca Lines in Puno. 

3. Take an Immersive Hike to See Peru’s Natural Beauty 
Peru’s diverse landscape and regions provide excellent trekking options for both experienced hikers and casual trekkers alike. There are plenty of trails to choose from, including multi-day slogs and one-day hikes. Some of the most popular treks include the famous Inca Trail as well as alternative treks to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek will have hikers climbing to the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range, part of the Peruvian Andes. Other hiking options include the Andean treks from Huaraz, the descent into Colca Canyon – the second deepest canyon in the world with 11,488 feet deep – near Arequipa, the demanding hike along the Alpamayo Circuit in the Cordillera Blanca, and multi-day treks into the Peruvian Amazon.

4. Embark on a journey into the Peruvian Amazon
The Peruvian Amazon covers about 60 percent of the country, and it is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Get up close and personal with wildlife, including blue morpho butterflies, llamas, alpacas, glass frogs, and giant river otters! And yes, there are some creepy crawlers too, including the notorious anaconda! National Parks – like Manu, Tingo Maria, Tambopata, Pacaya Samiria – are some of the best places to see these animals in their natural habitat.

5. Flock to this Bird Watcher’s Paradise
With eight national parks, eight national reserves, and seven national sanctuaries, Peru is the perfect destination for nature lovers, especially bird watchers. The South American country is home to more than 1700 species of birds, but only 105 are native species. For ornithologists, it doesn’t get more exciting than this. Many species have only been discovered in Peru in recent years. In fact, some of them are so new that they have not yet been given names.

One of the birds to watch out for is the Andean condor, one of the world’s largest species of birds with a wingspan measuring up to nine feet in length. This endangered species is an elusive character that chooses to stay in mostly mountainous or coastal areas where it can use the wind in order to stay in the air.

6. Indulge in the Mystical and Magical Side of Peru
Peru has a rich tradition of healers and spiritual advisors including Andean curanderos and Amazonian shamans. Take a spiritual journey in a world-renown ayahuasca ceremony, or maybe have a guinea pig rub down to extract the impurities from your body. If you’re looking for a more low-key vibe, consider visiting one of the country’s earth chakras, such as Lake Titicaca, a sacral chakra, and its ‘energy spots,’ which include previously mentioned sites: Machu Picchu, Nazca Lines, Marcahuasi, Cusco, and others. 

7. Celebrate at One of Peru’s Cultural Festivals
Peruvians host quite a few fun and colorful celebrations throughout the year. During Semana Santa, the week leading up to Easter Sunday, religious processions converge on the streets with a fascinating blend of colonial and indigenous traditions. Plan a trip to Cusco in June to experience Inti Raymi, a popular Inca Festival. It’s also peak tourism season. Further afield along the Amazon River, locals honor Saint John the Baptist – the patron saint of the Amazon – during the Festival of San Juan. Grab a beer or wine and meet the locals as they enjoy a relaxing day with their family and friends. End the day with an epic night of dancing.