As we age people like to take stock in what they have done in their lives. People start to think about what they have accomplished, what they have seen and what they still want to do. This causes many of us to make a wish list, or as Morgan Freeman called it in his movie with Jack Nicholson; The Bucket List. It can be overwhelming looking at the amount of goals that one has yet to accomplish and frustrating to not know where to begin. But there is one country in the world that is affordable, exciting and filled with activities that will most like be on your list. You will actually feel that you have accomplished something after you have visited Peru.

Even if you only have two weeks in Peru, you can return home knowing that you have just kick started your life list and put a good dent into checking off some of the most incredible activities you will ever do in your life.

Machu Picchu is at the top of most peoples list. If there is one thing that you must see in your life is one of the greatest ruins on the planet and this one is as good as it gets. Located in the Andes Mountains it is a mesmerizing Inca Ruin top a 2500 meter mountain. Take in the sight as you sit on another peak overlooking Machu Picchu and try to imagine how it was built over 600 years ago with no technology. Make sure to arrive early to beat the crowds and feel the magic as the cloud and mist burns off. Machu Picchu consists of 200 buildings that terrace down the side of a steep mountain leading in to the deep valley below. Whether you hike the Inca Trail visit Macchu Picchu, or take the train on a breathtaking journey through the Andes, you will not be disappointed.

Many people are looking for a thrill when they make their life list. Jumping out of an airplane seems to be atop many lists. If you happen to visit Lima, you can take that goal and give it a twist to try paragliding. Walk down to the waterfront of Mira Flores and you will soon find a place where people sign up to jump off of a high cliff over the Pacific Ocean. The fun doesn’t stop there however, once your parachute catches the air, you and your instructor will be able to ride the airwaves high above the city as he steers you through sky scapers and over the ocean. It is one of the most unique experiences you will have in your life and you will have the same thrill and excitement as skydiving, but in a more exotic location than your local airstrip.

Many people want to see one of the great deserts of the world. The Sahara or Kalahari are a couple of famous ones, but did you know that Peru has some of the largest sand dunes on the planet? Located in the region of Ica, you can go on a tour deep into the desert by dune buggy. This isn’t your every day relaxing buggy ride however, you will be plunging down near vertical cliffs only to spin out at the bottom and take off again at top speed over the desert dunes. Not only that, you will be treated to an introduction to sand boarding. Feel the freedom as you surf in the sand or hop on your board like a sled and whiz down the hill into the valley below. It will make you feel like a kid again.

Not many people are lucky enough to visit a real oasis in their lives. But in the middle of this vast desert is the Oasis of America. The small village of Huacachina is built around the water and you will find a few guest houses and restaurants to relax at and enjoy the view. You can rent a boat to paddle around the Oasis or simply relax at your hotel by the pool as the giant dunes tower overhead.

If wild life is on your list, you will be in for a real treat when you visit Isla Ballestas. Located near Pisco, you can catch a tour boat to take you out to sea to view sea lions, penguins, Peruvian boobies and condors as well as millions of birds in this nature reserve. Your boat will take you out to beautiful rock formations located off shore where wildlife is free to live and play in a protected area. Take the once in a lifetime opportunity to see actual penguins play in their natural setting and watch the hundreds of sea lions bask in the sun on the beach or on the rocks. You will not be disappointed, although make sure to ask your operator if they are sensitive to the animal and do not take their boats too close to shore disrupting the wildlife with exhaust pollution and the loud engines of the boats. Responsible tourism is a must.

One could write a book about all of the things there are to see and do in Peru. These are only a few suggestions to help you check off our life list. But there are many other things that you can do in this vast and interesting country. Take a trip to the rainforest and explore the jungle, hop on a flight over the mystical Nazca Lines. Nobody can explain how these giant etchings in the desert have survived for over 2000 years or why they are even there. Heat south to the Bolivian border and see famous Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, or climb one of Peru’s many 5000 + meter mountains.

So stop wishing that you could check off some of your life list, visit Peru and actually start living your life list. You will never be disappointed fulfilling your goals and dreams.