Looking to discover the best places to visit in Peru? Known for its extensive 2500 km coastline and incredible archaeological sites like the famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru has so much more to offer. This diverse country features bustling cities, the lush Amazon jungle, arid coastal deserts, and charming colonial towns.
Wondering what to see in Peru? We’ve compiled a list of some must-visit places to help you plan an amazing trip.
Machu Picchu is undoubtedly at the top of many travelers’ lists. This iconic Inca citadel, nestled on a mountain ridge at 2430 meters, boasts breathtaking ruins and panoramic views of its surrounding peaks, including the Temple of the Sun. Built without mortar, using classic Inca dry-stone techniques, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. To reach this 15th-century marvel, you can take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and then a bus, or even hike from Aguas Calientes. For the more adventurous, the four-day Inca Trail hike is a challenging yet unforgettable way to arrive at Machu Picchu.
Before heading to Machu Picchu, spending a day in Cusco is recommended to acclimatize. Cusco, with its UNESCO-listed historic town, offers elegant squares and cobblestone streets. Architecture and culture aficionados will appreciate its extravagant mansions and impressive churches. Not too far from Cusco, you can visit fascinating places such as Pisac, known for its famous artisans’ market. The Maras Salt Mines and the high-altitude Moray archaeological site, with its ancient Incan terraces, are also noteworthy. You can book day trips to these sites easily through local travel agencies.
Another natural wonder to experience is Rainbow Mountain (Montaña de Colores), located about 140 km from Cusco. This stunning mountain, featuring colorful stripes due to its mineral composition, has become a social media sensation. Fitness is essential for the trek to its 5200-meter summit, but the vibrant, scenic landscape makes it a rewarding full-day trip from Cusco.
Lake Titicaca, nestled in the Andes on the border between Bolivia and Peru, is the largest lake in South America and the highest commercially navigable one at 3812 meters. A visit to Puno to see Lake Titicaca is not complete without exploring the Uros islands, where indigenous Uru people live on artificial floating islands made from totora reeds. The trip to these islands is an adventure in itself, with tourists traveling on barges woven from the same reeds. Near Puno, Chucuito offers a glimpse into colonial history and features the intriguing Templo de la Fertilidad, an archaeological site with rows of stone carvings.
Most travelers will fly into Lima, Peru’s capital sitting on the cliffside edges overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Lima, with its over 9 million residents, is the most populous metropolitan area in Peru and the seventh-largest in the Americas. Renowned for its culinary scene, Lima is home to some of the world’s best restaurants. The city’s nightlife is a blend of modern and traditional, with local bars hosting live folk music. Don’t miss the Spanish colonial center and Malecón de Miraflores, a scenic cliffside walkway lined with manicured parks.
In southwestern Peru, you’ll find Huacachina, a desert oasis village near the city of Ica. This quaint spot features a picturesque lagoon surrounded by towering dunes. Popular activities here include sand-boarding and dune buggy rides, making it a fun adventure spot.
Lastly, Colca Canyon, with a depth of 3270 meters, is known as the world’s second-deepest canyon and is a fantastic place for trekking enthusiasts. The region offers two and three-day hiking routes through trails, with opportunities to explore ancient pre-Inca agricultural terraces and traditional Andean villages. It’s also one of the best places to spot the national bird of Peru, the Andean condor.
Peru offers an astonishing variety of natural wonders, historical sites, and vibrant cultural experiences, ensuring a memorable adventure for every traveler.