Incas.

Lamas.

Coca tea.

Peru. There are things in this world that are worth traveling tens of thousands of miles to experience at least once in your lifetime. Peru has so many of these things, places and people that if you are a first-time visitor, you might be overwhelmed by the choice. Here’s a list of the most amazing things to do in Peru.

1. Set foot on the floating islands in Lake Titicaca

The Quechua people have been living on the floating islands in Lake Titicaca for centuries and they still use a form of natural economy, exchanging fish, corn and reed for other goods they need. You can spend at least a few hours sailing between the islands and getting in touch with how the locals live.

2. Drink coca tea

The leaves of coca are used to produce the base for cocaine when the alcaloids are extracted chemically, but when you soak them in boiling water, the effect is similar to a strong coffee – refreshing and helpful for coping with the thin air. The taste is similar to green tea or mint tea. It’s a typical drink in the Andes and it’s even used as medicine by the locals.

3. Ride the Machu Picchu train

Adding to the thrill of traveling to one of the most amazing Inca-era venues in the world is the transparent ceiling of the train, which makes it possible to enjoy more complete views on the way.

4. Let Machu Picchu leave you breathless (literally)

Machu Picchu was abandoned by the Incas to be conquered by the jungle. Located more than 4,000 m (13,000 ft) above sea level, it will leave you breathless both literally and metaphorically. The thin air will remind you that all actions you consider normal, like running up three stairs, should not be taken for granted. Make sure you arrange a visit with a guide or a group tour because with the last changes in Peruvian laws, it is now forbidden to visit the archaeological site on your own.

5. Discover the treasures of Cuzco – the archaeological capital of the Americas

In the language of the local Quechua people Cuzco means “navel, center of the world”. Save a place on your route for this well-preserved colonial city built around the remains of the Incan civilization and embraced by the majestic Andes. I’ll only mention the Sacsahyuaman Fortress, whose gigantic stone blocks were arranged centuries ago with laser-like precision.

6. Try the local delicacies (have you eaten llama meat?)

Peruvians grow so many kinds of corn that you won’t be able to try even a tiny fraction of them. But that’s not all, folks! Llamas are cute but if you aren’t a vegetarian, you should try them cooked, too.

7. Sleep in the Amazon forest

If you want to see tarantulas and caymans, while also discovering what the Amazon rainforest means to the planet, visit it yourself. If you’re even more adventurous, spend a night deep in the jungle. There are many accommodation options – from luxury hotels and resorts to basic bungalows and tents offering nothing more than a bed and a mosquito net. I’d recommend the latter as it will give you the unique opportunity to hear the sound of the jungle, which wakes up when you are about to fall asleep.

8. Fly over the mysterious Lines of Nazca

Who created the Lines of Nazca (and how) remains a mystery – aliens, mythical civilizations and ancient astronomers are among the hypotheses. Some of the figures spread as far as 300 m (1000 ft) and are more than 2000 years old. Most of the lines are visible only by plane, but given the many plane accidents in recent years, consider your options carefully and make sure you fly with a reputable company.

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Go to the spring of the river Ganges, India

They say more than 10 million people walk the way to the sacred water every year. Those who are determined to reach the very spring, need to go to the western part of the Himalayas. For Indian Hindus, the Ganges embodies divinity and purity. Legend has it that the waters of the river purify all sins of the people who touch it.

>>> Read more: 25 quotes about India explaining why everyone loves it

Walk or bike Camino de Santiago, France/Spain

The Camino de Santiago, also known as El Camino, is a religious route attracting more and more enthusiasts. The unforgettable journey may continue for more than one month, starting from France through the Pyrenees and crossing the whole of Spain. The last point is the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, as it is believed that St. James’s remains were buried there. The length of the route may vary, depending on where you start. The route from France to the famous cathedral is almost 800 km (497 mi).

Visit Medina, Saudi Arabia

Medina is a holy Muslim city, the second most important city after Mecca. Medina attracts millions of pilgrims every year, because it contains the remains of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. In Medina, you can see the three oldest mosques in the world, one of which is the Prophet’s Mosque.

Walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

The Inca Trail consists of three trails – Mollepata (six or seven days), Classic (four or five days), and One Day. Regardless of which trail you choose, you will see many ruins of the Inca civilization before reaching Machu Picchu Mountain itself. Concerns about overuse, harming the nature and the historical sites along the way, led the Peruvian government to limit the number of tourists allowed to hike this trail to 200 per day. As a result, advance booking is mandatory. More information here.

>>> Read more: 8 unique things to do in Peru for first-time visitors

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