Perou Decouverte
Travelling in Peru is also an opportunity to try new activities, discover local skills and share enriching experiences with local people. Traditional cooking, water sports, crafts and wellness activities offer many ways to enjoy your stay from a different perspective.
From Peruvian cooking workshops and surf lessons to yoga, meditation and traditional craft activities, these experiences offer a chance to discover different aspects of Peruvian culture and everyday life while enjoying an activity that interests you.
In this section, Pérou Découverte introduces the main courses, workshops and activities available in Peru, along with other cultural, language-based and traditional experiences to explore during your trip.
Discover the main activities and experiences available in Peru
Learn, practise and discover Peru through local experiences.
Peruvian gastronomy is one of the country's great cultural treasures. Influenced by Andean traditions, coastal produce, the resources of the Amazon and different culinary cultures, it offers a wide variety of flavours, ingredients and dishes.
Taking part in a Peruvian cooking workshop is a practical and enjoyable way to discover this rich culinary heritage. Guided by a chef, local cook or instructor, you can learn to identify ingredients, discover preparation techniques and make several traditional recipes.
In Lima, Cusco, Arequipa and other parts of Peru, cooking schools, gastronomic establishments and local professionals offer different courses, cooking classes and workshops for visitors wishing to explore local cuisine.
Workshops may focus on preparing a particular dish, discovering several recipes or learning techniques used in Peruvian cuisine. The programme depends on the provider, the duration of the activity and the participants' level.
Some courses teach participants how to prepare iconic national dishes. To discover more recipes and regional specialities, also see our guide to typical Peruvian dishes. Some of the dishes featured in cooking workshops include:
Workshops can also provide an opportunity to discover the ingredients that characterise Peruvian cuisine: different varieties of potatoes, corn, quinoa, chillies, aromatic herbs, tropical fruits and seafood.
Some programmes include a visit to a local market, where participants can discover available produce, talk to vendors and select the ingredients that will be used during the cooking class.
Drinks also play an important role in the country's culinary traditions and are a natural complement to this gastronomic discovery. See our guide to typical Peruvian drinks.
There are several ways to take part in a culinary activity in Peru. Depending on your interests and the time available, you can choose a short introductory class or a more in-depth experience.
Good to know: some workshops combine a visit to a local market with a cooking class. This allows participants to discover local produce, food habits and regional specialities before preparing their dishes.
The options available vary depending on the region and the providers. Major tourist cities generally offer more choice, although culinary experiences may also be available in smaller towns.
Lima holds an important place in Peruvian gastronomy. Visitors can look for cooking schools, workshops led by chefs and experiences focused on seafood, traditional Creole dishes and contemporary cuisine.
In the Cusco region, workshops may highlight Andean ingredients and local culinary traditions, including potatoes, corn, quinoa, grains, vegetables and produce grown in mountain regions.
Arequipa has a well-established gastronomic tradition. Visitors may be interested in regional recipes, slow-cooked dishes and specialities served in traditional picanterías.
In the Amazonian regions, culinary discoveries may focus on tropical fruits, fish, tubers and ingredients characteristic of rainforest cuisine.
Before booking a cooking class or gastronomic workshop, take the time to check the activity's content and the conditions offered by the organiser. Not all programmes include the same services.
A cooking workshop is a pleasant way to complement sightseeing and excursions during a stay in Peru. It gives you the opportunity to spend a few hours doing something practical, discover culinary traditions and better understand the role of food in everyday life.
Whether you are passionate about gastronomy, enjoy cooking or simply want to discover new flavours, Peruvian cooking courses and classes can add another dimension to your trip.
An experience to share: preparing a Peruvian speciality with a chef or local cook, discovering the ingredients and tasting the result gives you much more than just a recipe: a lasting memory of your stay.
With thousands of kilometres of coastline, beaches facing the Pacific Ocean and well-known waves, Peru offers many opportunities to discover surfing and enjoy a range of water sports. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, you can look for lessons, surf classes and guided activities to make the most of the Peruvian coast.
Surf schools and instructors offer introductory lessons, private coaching and group sessions. Other providers make equipment available or organise activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and bodyboarding.
These experiences offer a different way to discover the coastline, try a new sport or improve your skills while enjoying Peru's coastal scenery.
Surfing is practised along several stretches of the Peruvian coast. Schools and instructors offer programmes for people who want to discover the sport, as well as for surfers looking to improve their technique.
Introductory lessons teach the basics of surfing: getting familiar with the board, positioning yourself on it, maintaining balance, catching waves and learning safety rules. First sessions generally take place in conditions suited to the participants' level.
Surfers with some experience can look for classes focused on improving their technique, wave selection, positioning and manoeuvres. Some instructors also offer individual coaching.
Depending on the school, you may be able to book a private session, join a small-group class or choose a programme consisting of several lessons. Group sessions are a good way to share the activity, while private lessons provide more personalised guidance.
Surfing is not the only activity available along the Peruvian coast. Depending on the destination and local conditions, different providers organise introductory sessions, guided outings and equipment rentals.
Bodyboarding is practised on a board that is shorter than a traditional surfboard. It offers a different way to experience waves and enjoy the thrill of riding them.
Stand-up paddleboarding involves standing on a board and using a paddle to move across the water. It can be practised in sheltered areas when conditions allow. Some water sports centres offer introductory lessons and guided outings.
Kayaking offers a way to discover parts of the coastline from the sea. Depending on the destination, outings may be organised near beaches, coves or coastal scenery. It is important to respect sea conditions and follow the instructions provided by the organisers.
Depending on the region and the providers, visitors may also find sailing activities, boat trips and different experiences focused on discovering the marine environment.
Good to know: the activities available vary considerably from one beach to another. Some destinations are mainly known for surfing, while others offer more relaxed water activities. Check which options are available at your destination.
Several destinations along the Peruvian coast are particularly well known among surfing enthusiasts. Surfing conditions, wave types and available services vary from one area to another.
The Lima region has several beaches frequented by surfers. Punta Hermosa, south of the capital, is particularly known for its surf spots and schools offering lessons and introductory sessions. The areas around Lima also offer opportunities to look for water sports, depending on the beaches and conditions.
On the northern coast, Huanchaco has a long maritime tradition and a well-established surfing culture. The Chicama area is renowned for its long waves, attracting experienced surfers from different countries.
Discover Huanchaco: its history, maritime traditions and coastline
In the Piura region, Lobitos is a destination known among surfing enthusiasts. Cabo Blanco also has a long-standing reputation among surfers. These areas attract people looking for waves and an atmosphere closely connected to the ocean.
Máncora and the surrounding beaches offer opportunities to enjoy different water sports. Surf lessons and surfing are among the activities available, depending on sea conditions and local providers.
Before booking a surf lesson or water sports activity, take the time to check the supervision arrangements and the equipment provided. The quality of instruction is particularly important for beginners.
To enjoy surfing and other water sports, it is essential to have equipment suited to your skill level and local conditions. Schools and specialist centres can generally provide the necessary equipment as part of their services.
For surfing, this may include a board, a leash and, depending on the water temperature, a suitable wetsuit. For paddleboarding and kayaking, check that safety equipment and personal flotation devices are available.
Sea conditions can change quickly. Follow instructors' recommendations, take your skill level into account and avoid going alone into areas whose characteristics you do not know.
An experience to enjoy: catching your first waves, trying paddleboarding or exploring the coastline by kayak adds an active and sporty dimension to a stay on the Peruvian coast.
Peru also attracts travellers looking for relaxation, renewal and activities that promote balance between body and mind. In major cities, Andean destinations and certain parts of the Amazon region, you can find yoga studios, wellness centres, independent teachers and places offering stays dedicated to these activities.
Whether you would like to join a yoga class, discover meditation, attend several sessions during your stay or enjoy a retreat lasting a few days, there are various possibilities. Some programmes also combine wellness activities with discovering nature, local traditions and Peru's landscapes.
These experiences can provide a pleasant break during your trip, particularly after several days of sightseeing, hiking or travelling.
Yoga is offered in different types of establishments: specialised studios, wellness centres, hotels, retreat spaces and independent facilities. Classes may be occasional or organised as programmes comprising several sessions.
Beginner classes introduce participants to yoga poses, breathing exercises and the basic principles of the practice. They are generally suitable for people who want to get started without any previous experience.
Depending on the teachers and centres, different approaches may be available, with sessions focusing on postures, flexibility, balance, breathing or relaxation.
Some of the styles you may come across include Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and other forms of practice adapted to participants' goals and experience levels.
Some teachers offer individual lessons, while others organise group classes open to both travellers and local residents. Private sessions may also be available at certain hotels or accommodation venues.
Meditation can be practised on its own or alongside a yoga session. Teachers and specialised centres offer introductory sessions to explore different methods of concentration, breathing and relaxation.
Sessions may focus on guided meditation, mindful breathing or exercises designed to encourage calmness and concentration. Some classes are intended for beginners, while others are suitable for people who already practise regularly.
Workshops may also include breathing exercises, periods of relaxation and gentle body practices. Their content varies depending on the teachers and establishments.
For travellers wishing to spend more time on these activities, several establishments offer retreats and stays combining yoga, meditation, relaxation and the discovery of the natural surroundings.
These programmes may last a few days or extend over a longer period. They sometimes take place in specialised centres, accommodation surrounded by nature or establishments offering a peaceful setting conducive to rest.
Good to know: not all retreats offer the same services. Some focus mainly on yoga and meditation, while others combine several relaxation and discovery activities. Always check the detailed programme before booking.
Opportunities can be found in different regions of the country. Major cities have studios and teachers, while some tourist destinations offer stays and retreats in natural surroundings.
The Cusco region and the Sacred Valley attract travellers interested in yoga, meditation and wellness stays. There are establishments offering individual classes, workshops and retreats in an Andean setting.
Lima, Arequipa and other urban centres have yoga studios, independent teachers and establishments offering regular classes. These venues may suit travellers who wish to attend a session while visiting a city.
Some accommodation providers and retreat centres in the Amazon offer experiences combining relaxation, nature and wellness activities. Services vary depending on the establishments and regions.
Peru has a variety of traditions associated with plants, local knowledge and cultural practices. Some centres and practitioners offer experiences that introduce visitors to these traditions, sometimes combined with relaxation stays or meditation activities.
However, it is important to distinguish yoga classes and relaxation activities from traditional practices offered in certain cultural contexts. Their approaches, objectives and practitioners' qualifications can be very different.
Before booking, take the time to compare the programmes and check the arrangements. Services can vary considerably from one teacher or centre to another.
Joining a yoga class, discovering meditation or staying at a wellness centre can add variety to the pace of a trip through Peru. These activities can be included in a short itinerary or become the main focus of a stay.
Whether you are an experienced practitioner or a beginner, you can look for a one-off session, a workshop or a retreat that suits your interests, availability and travel style.
Another way to discover Peru: taking time to practise yoga, meditate or simply relax in a natural setting allows you to combine discovering the country with moments dedicated to your well-being.
Peruvian handicrafts play an important role in the country's culture and traditions. Passed down from different civilisations and from one generation to the next, local craftsmanship can be found in textiles, ceramics, pottery, sculpture, jewellery and many other handmade creations.
Taking part in a handicraft workshop offers a practical way to discover these techniques by observing artisans at work and learning some of their traditional skills. In several regions, workshops, associations and communities organise encounters and activities that provide a better understanding of their craftsmanship.
Whether you would like to discover Andean weaving, work with clay, make a handmade object or simply understand traditional production techniques, these experiences offer another way to connect with Peruvian culture.
Textile craftsmanship is one of the most representative artisanal traditions of the Andes. Spinning, dyeing and weaving techniques are passed down in many communities, where patterns and colours can reflect local cultural identities and traditions.
Some workshops allow visitors to observe the different stages of textile production: preparing the fibres, spinning the wool, dyeing it and creating patterns on a traditional loom.
Participants may sometimes learn a few basic techniques and discover the characteristics of textiles made from alpaca wool, sheep's wool or other locally used fibres.
Some workshops also introduce visitors to natural dyeing techniques using plants, roots, flowers and other local resources. Artisans explain how different shades are obtained and how patterns are incorporated into textile creations.
Ceramics have a long history in Peru. Handicraft traditions vary according to regions and cultures, with distinctive shapes, patterns and production techniques.
Pottery classes introduce visitors to the main stages of making an object: preparing the clay, modelling, shaping, decorating and finishing.
Depending on the workshop, participants may make small pieces by hand or try working on a potter's wheel. The level of difficulty depends on the programme offered and the duration of the activity.
Some experiences highlight the ceramic styles and traditions specific to different regions of the country. They help visitors understand the shapes, patterns and uses of objects made by local artisans.
Beyond textiles and ceramics, Peru has a wide variety of traditional crafts. Depending on the region, workshops may offer introductions to different techniques and materials.
Good to know: the activities available depend on the artisans and workshops in each destination. Some experiences are genuine hands-on classes, while others focus more on demonstrations, meeting artisans and discovering their techniques.
Traditional crafts can be found in many regions of the country. Some destinations are particularly well known for their textiles, ceramics or other handmade products.
The Cusco region is renowned for its traditional textiles and Andean handicrafts. Several communities and workshops offer opportunities to discover weaving, natural dyeing and alpaca wool craftsmanship.
In the Sacred Valley, some local communities organise encounters with artisans and demonstrations of textile techniques passed down within their communities.
Ayacucho has a well-established handicraft tradition, particularly in textiles, ceramics, sculpture and decorative retablos. Visitors can explore the workshops and craftsmanship that make this region distinctive.
Discover Sarhua: an Andean village renowned for its traditional crafts and famous Sarhua Panels
In the Puno region, textiles play an important role in local traditions. Weaving techniques, patterns and colours reflect, in particular, the cultural identities of the Altiplano's communities.
The Piura region is known for Chulucanas ceramics, distinguished by their characteristic shapes and decorative patterns. Discovering this craft offers an opportunity to learn about the shaping and decoration techniques used by local artisans.
The Amazonian regions also have many traditional crafts, particularly those involving plant fibres, decorative objects, basketry and patterns inspired by nature and local cultures.
Before taking part in a workshop, it is useful to find out what the activity includes and which techniques will be presented. Programmes can range from a simple demonstration to a genuine hands-on class.
Taking part in a handicraft workshop is about more than simply making an object. It is also an opportunity to discover the skills, materials and knowledge that form part of Peru's cultural heritage.
These experiences provide a better understanding of the artisans' work, how techniques are passed down and the importance of certain handmade products in the daily lives of local communities.
An experience to share: meeting an artisan, discovering their skills and taking part in making an object allows you to leave with a handmade creation of your own and a deeper understanding of Peru's traditional crafts.
Beyond cooking workshops, water sports, yoga and handicrafts, Peru offers many other opportunities for learning and discovery. Some experiences provide an introduction to local languages and traditions, while others invite visitors to explore landscapes, photography or rural activities.
These activities are suitable both for curious travellers and for those wishing to spend a few hours or several days focusing on a particular activity.
Learning Spanish during a stay in Peru provides an opportunity to practise the language in everyday situations. Schools and teachers offer private, group and intensive lessons. Introductory Quechua classes may also be available for those wishing to better understand certain Andean expressions and traditions.
Dance classes and music workshops offer another way to discover Peruvian culture. Depending on the location and instructors, visitors may learn the marinera, traditional folk dances, salsa or how to play certain instruments, such as the Peruvian cajón.
From Andean landscapes and colonial architecture to the coastline and the Amazon rainforest, Peru offers countless photographic subjects. Guided photography outings and workshops may provide opportunities to work on composition, lighting or nature photography, depending on the programmes available.
Some rural and community-based tourism initiatives offer opportunities to discover agricultural activities, local crops and traditional production methods. These experiences may include exchanges with local residents and supervised participation in certain everyday tasks.
Botanical walks and educational activities provide opportunities to discover the diversity of plants found in the Andes and the Amazon. Some also explore the traditional uses of plants, their place in local cultures and the knowledge passed down through generations.
Depending on the destination, travellers may also meet local instructors offering art workshops, cultural introductions and themed activities. These experiences complement the main categories presented in this guide and provide opportunities to explore other aspects of Peru.
Good to know: the availability of these activities varies according to the region, season and organisers. Before booking, it is advisable to check the language used, duration, required experience level, participation conditions and any equipment needed.
Discover Peru in a different way: learning a few words of Quechua, joining a music workshop, photographing the Andes or discovering rural traditions are all ways to enrich your trip and gain a better understanding of the country's cultural diversity.
Discover other sides of the country through its landscapes, traditions and local experiences.
Explore Peru's coastline, its beaches, seascapes and seaside destinations.
Discover the country's heritage, customs and cultural diversity.
Discover experiences with local communities and share in their daily lives and traditions.