10 quirky things to do in Peru this year

10 quirky things to do in Peru this year

Machu Picchu may be its brightest gem, but there are some quirky things to do in Peru, from fine festivals for foodies to filmmaking with masters

As our trip around the world nears its end in Brazil, backpackers coming the other way have started inquiring about our favorite country on the continent. We tell them that there is a close connection between Chile, with its incredibly diverse landscape, and Peru, with its impressive natural beauty.

“Ah,” they say knowingly. “Machu Picchu.”

Our answer is yes and no. Of course, Machu Picchu is incredible, but Peru has so much more to offer, not just for amateur archaeologists and eco-lodge lovers, but for anyone looking for fun and quirky things to do in Peru. Here is the offer for 2015.

1. Land of the Incas Motorcycle Tour

If you forget for a second the fact that Kia can barely ride a bike, let alone a motorcycle, the Land of the Incas Motorcycle seems like a pretty badass way to see Peru. This 14-day tour begins in September and takes you 3,150 km (1,950 miles) across Peru and Bolivia on a BMW Field Bike.

The journey winds through desert, volcanoes, Pacific coast and mountains with highlights such as the Nazca Lines, Cusco, the Uros floating islands, Lake Titcaca and, yes, Machu Picchu. The bonus, of course, is that you travel like this:

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instead of:

alt=“Kia's boots after getting wet on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu”>Kia's boots after getting wet on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

2nd Oktoberfest Half Marathon

Trekking in Peru is fun, but if you prefer the unhindered freedom of running instead, sign up for the Oktoberfest Half Marathon, taking place on October 10th.

With the choice between a 5K, 10K and half marathon, you can run as fast as you like, the wind blowing your hair back, the rhythm of your feet pounding the road as the beautiful Peruvian apple country unfolds before you. If you prefer cycling, there is also a 40km cycle route. Places fill up quickly, so don't delay your registration.

3. Ultra Music Festival

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Peru has never been on the world music festival map, but that will change with the arrival of the Ultra Music Festival in October. Held at the Explanada Costa Verde in the cosmopolitan capital of Lima, the festival is famous for its achingly cool line-up.

Previous artists include MIA, Tiesto, Major Lazer and Azealia Banks, and this year's promises to bring a Latin twist to the world's coolest celebration of electronic music. If you are in Peru in October, don't miss this party.

4. Adventure film school

"Life moves pretty quickly. If you don't stop and look around every now and then, you might miss it."

If you have a movie quote for every occasion and are unable to watch a movie without seeing the angles and movements that make it so (im)perfect, then this option is for you.

Adventure Film School is traveling to Peru this August with Discovery Channel and National Geographic's Emmy Award winner Keith Partridge. Sign up and film a 3-5 minute video in the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Partridge, who worked as a cinematographer on Touching the Void, will personally mentor students as they develop a story, shoot the film and even work on post-production. It's an offer you can't refuse.

5. The Nazca Lines

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The Nazca Lines are a mystery. Somehow the ancient Inca civilization managed to trace large, perfectly symmetrical figures of animals and other unknown creatures to the earthly plains of Nazca. They are so gigantic that they were only discovered when the first planes and helicopters flew over the area. Nazca is not on the Lima-Cusco-Puno tourist route, but is worth the detour.

6. Latin American Poker Tour

Connecting with a people and a culture requires that you find common ground with them. But what if the only game you can play with the locals is on the green felt of the poker table? Will you be able to find a game or two and pit your skills against theirs in some friendly hands?

If poker is really your thing, Peru is your ideal destination this year. The eighth season of the Latin American Poker Tour has Peru on its program this July. Take a few days out of your busy travel schedule, beat the heat and compete against the locals in this famous world-class poker tournament.

7th Aero Expo Peru

If you're craving a bit of technological modernity after the stunning Peruvian landscape, head to the Aero Expo Peru 2015 IV convention and exhibition at Las Palmas Air Force Base in October. Exhibitions of the Peruvian Air Force and private planes are intended not only to impress spectators, but also to demonstrate the rapidly growing economic power of the Peruvian nation. Expect magic.

8. Yawar Festival

Are you the kind of person who enjoys authentic experiences at the expense of your more genteel sensibilities? If so, you will enjoy the Yawar Fiesta in Cotabambas, a traditional fiesta depicting the historical clashes between the Incas and the Spanish conquistadors.

A condor, representative of the Incas, is tied to the back of a bull, representative of the Spanish, to torture it. The tradition is celebrated throughout Peru, but only in Cotabambas can the bull be pecked to defeat and death. It may be uncomfortable, but it doesn't get more traditional than that.

9. Overnight stay at Lake Titicaca

alt=“A local reception on a Uros floating island, Peru”>A local reception on a Uros floating island

If you prefer peace and quiet to noise and adventure, book a stay at Lake Titicaca, the “Birthplace of the Sun” in the Andes. Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America, offers a variety of cultural experiences, from visiting the incredible man-made floating islands of the Uros to dancing with locals on Luquina Chico. If you want to experience open landscapes and starry skies on your Peru getaway, there's no better place to do it.

10. Expoalimentaria

We've covered epic motorcycle trips, music festivals, poker tournaments and film schools, but what does Peru have to offer the foodies among us?

Check out Expoalimentaria, the food and entertainment extravaganza taking place this August at the Jockey Exhibition Center in Lima.

The event brings together the most innovative chefs from across Peru to compete in nine different categories, including Beverages, Desserts, Fruits and Gourmet. Plan your trip now to taste the latest concoctions from every corner of this beautiful country.

Lonely Planet South America contains a comprehensive travel guide to the country, ideal for those looking for a little more unusual things to do in Peru.
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