Top 20 places to visit in Peru

Cusco & the Andean Highlands

1. Machu Picchu

• What it is: The legendary “Lost City of the Incas,” an awe-inspiring 15th-century citadel set on a mountain ridge.
• Why visit: A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The combination of Inca engineering and dramatic natural scenery is unparalleled.
• Pro Tip: It is imperative to book your entrance tickets, as well as train or bus tickets, months in advance, particularly for travel during the high season (June-August). For an added challenge and perspective, consider booking a permit to climb the steep trail up Huayna Picchu or the more gradual ascent of Machu Picchu Mountain, both of which offer stunning overhead views of the citadel.

2. Cusco City

• What it is: The historic capital of the Inca Empire, now a vibrant city blending Incan stonework with Spanish colonial architecture.
• Why visit: Explore the Plaza de Armas, the Cusco Cathedral, the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), and the artisan neighborhood of San Blas. It’s the primary hub for exploring the region.
• Pro Tip: We recommend you spend at least two full days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude (3,400m / 11,152 ft) before undertaking any strenuous treks. This will help mitigate the effects of altitude sickness.

3. The Sacred Valley of the Incas

• What it is: A stunning valley carved by the Urubamba River, dotted with Inca ruins, traditional villages, and agricultural terraces.
• Why visit: Key sites include the massive fortress of Ollantaytambo, the bustling market and ruins of Pisac, and the salt mines of Maras.
• Pro Tip: It is wise to schedule your visit to the Sacred Valley before heading to Machu Picchu. Its slightly lower altitude provides a gentler environment for acclimatization, making your subsequent ascent more comfortable.

4. The Inca Trail

• What it is: The world’s most famous trek, a 4-day, 3-night journey on original Inca pathways through the Andes.
• Why visit: The trek offers breathtaking mountain scenery, cloud-forest ecology, and numerous Inca ruins, culminating in a dramatic arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at sunrise.
• Pro Tip: Permits for the classic Inca Trail are strictly limited and often sell out 6 to 8 months in advance. They can only be secured through a licensed tour operator. If permits are unavailable, consider excellent alternative treks like the Salkantay or Lares, which offer different but equally spectacular Andean landscapes.

5. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

• What it is: A mountain in the Andes famous for its vibrant, multi-colored striations caused by mineral deposits.
• Why visit: A challenging but rewarding high-altitude day hike that offers unique, otherworldly landscapes.
• Pro Tip: Be aware of the extreme altitude, which exceeds 5,000 meters (16,400 ft). Proper acclimatization in Cusco or the Sacred Valley for several days prior is essential. The mountain’s famous colors are most vivid on a clear, sunny day, so it is worth checking the weather forecast before you go.

6. Choquequirao

• What it is: A vast, remote Inca ruin often called Machu Picchu’s “sacred sister.” It’s larger in area but far less excavated and visited.
• Why visit: For the serious adventurer. It requires a strenuous multi-day trek, offering solitude and a sense of discovery that is rare at more popular sites.
• Pro Tip: Consider this an off-the-beaten-path alternative to the more frequented Inca sites. It is best suited for experienced hikers who are physically prepared for a significant challenge and value a more isolated experience.

Lima & the Pacific Coast

7. Lima’s Historic Centre & Modern Districts

• What it is: Peru’s capital, a sprawling metropolis combining a UNESCO-listed colonial center with trendy, modern districts like Miraflores and Barranco.
• Why visit: It’s the culinary capital of South America. Explore the history at the Plaza Mayor, visit the Larco Museum, and enjoy world-class restaurants and coastal views.
• Pro Tip: The city’s food scene is a primary attraction. We suggest a dedicated food tour to sample a wide array of flavors. Be sure to try classic dishes such as fresh ceviche and the savory stir-fry known as lomo saltado.

8. The Nazca Lines

• What it is: A series of enormous geoglyphs etched into the desert floor by the ancient Nazca culture.
• Why visit: A fascinating archaeological mystery. The figures (animals, plants, geometric shapes) are so large they are best appreciated from the air.
• Pro Tip: The primary way to view the lines in their entirety is by taking a scenic flight in a small aircraft from the nearby towns of Nazca or Pisco. For those who prefer to stay on the ground, a viewing tower on the Pan-American Highway offers a limited but still interesting view of a few of the figures.

9. Huacachina Oasis

• What it is: A picturesque desert oasis with a small lagoon surrounded by massive sand dunes.
• Why visit: The adventure capital of the desert. The main activities are high-speed dune buggy rides and sandboarding down the dunes.
• Pro Tip: Plan your visit for the afternoon. This allows you to enjoy the dune buggy and sandboarding activities in cooler temperatures and concludes with a spectacular sunset over the vast expanse of sand.

10. Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands

• What it is: A protected desert reserve on the coast and a group of small islands teeming with wildlife.
• Why visit: Known as “the poor man’s Galapagos.” Take a boat tour to the Ballestas to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of marine birds. The reserve itself has stunning desert-meets-ocean landscapes.
• Pro Tip: For the boat tour to the islands, it is advisable to bring a hat for sun protection and a windbreaker, as the sea breeze can be cool and persistent even on a warm day.

11. Trujillo & Pre-Inca Ruins

• What it is: Peru’s third-largest city, known for its colonial center and proximity to major Moche and Chimú archaeological sites.
• Why visit: Explore Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world, and the Huacas de la Luna y del Sol, with their stunningly preserved murals.
• Pro Tip: This region is a must-see for travelers interested in exploring the depth of Peru’s history beyond the Inca empire. The Moche and Chimú cultures offer a fascinating look into the country’s rich pre-Columbian past.

12. Máncora

• What it is: A popular beach town on Peru’s northern coast.
• Why visit: Famous for its laid-back vibe, consistent surf, and sunny weather year-round. Ideal for relaxing after a trek-heavy itinerary.
• Pro Tip: Máncora is primarily a relaxation and social destination. It serves as a perfect final stop to unwind, enjoy the sun, and reflect on your travels before heading home.

Southern Peru: Canyons & High-Altitude Lakes

13. Arequipa (The White City)

• What it is: Peru’s second city, built from a white volcanic stone called sillar, giving it a unique, luminous appearance.
• Why visit: A beautiful, walkable city with a UNESCO-listed historic center. The Santa Catalina Monastery is a highlight—a stunning “city within a city.”
• Pro Tip: The city is known for its distinct regional cuisine; be sure to try Rocoto Relleno (stuffed spicy pepper). Its relatively lower altitude (2,335m / 7,661 ft) makes it an excellent stop for acclimatization before continuing to the higher elevations of Colca Canyon or Puno.

14. Colca Canyon

• What it is: One of the deepest canyons in the world, more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
• Why visit: The main draw is the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where majestic Andean Condors can be seen soaring on the morning thermals. The area also offers excellent hiking and traditional villages.
• Pro Tip: Please be advised that most tours depart very early in the morning. This is necessary to arrive at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint in time to witness the condors, which are most active during the mid-morning hours.

15. Lake Titicaca (Puno)

• What it is: The world’s highest navigable lake, straddling the border of Peru and Bolivia.
• Why visit: To experience the unique cultures of its inhabitants. Visit the Uros people on their floating reed islands and take a boat to Taquile or Amantaní islands for a homestay experience with local families.
• Pro Tip: The high altitude means that even after a sunny day, nights on and around the lake are quite cold. We strongly advise packing warm layers, including a fleece, a warm hat, and gloves for your comfort in the evenings.

The Peruvian Amazon

16. Tambopata National Reserve (from Puerto Maldonado)

• What it is: A highly biodiverse and accessible section of the Amazon rainforest.
• Why visit: Ideal for wildlife viewing. Stay in a jungle lodge and take guided tours to see monkeys, capybaras, giant river otters, and an incredible array of birds at clay licks.
• Pro Tip: Puerto Maldonado serves as the most common and accessible gateway for a short but immersive Amazon experience, making it an excellent addition to many itineraries without requiring extensive travel time.

17. Manu National Park

• What it is: A vast, remote, and highly protected UNESCO World Heritage biosphere reserve.
• Why visit: Offers one of the most pristine rainforest experiences in the world, with unparalleled biodiversity. It’s for the serious nature enthusiast.
• Pro Tip: Due to its remoteness and protected status, trips into Manu National Park are typically longer and more costly than excursions to Tambopata. It is an investment for those seeking a deeper, more extensive immersion in the Amazon.

18. Iquitos & the Northern Amazon River

• What it is: The largest city in the world that cannot be reached by road, serving as the gateway to the northern Amazon River and its tributaries.
• Why visit: The starting point for Amazon River cruises and deep-jungle lodges. Experience the bustling Belen Market and the unique culture of a city surrounded by jungle.
• Pro Tip: The experience from Iquitos is distinct from that of Puerto Maldonado. The focus here is often on multi-day river cruises that explore the vast Amazon River itself and its tributaries, offering a different perspective on the ecosystem.

Northern Peru: Mountains & Cloud Forests

19. Huaraz & Huascarán National Park

• What it is: The trekking and mountaineering capital of Peru, set in the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world.
• Why visit: For world-class alpine scenery and hiking. Popular day trips include Laguna 69, a stunning turquoise glacial lake, and longer treks like the Santa Cruz circuit.
• Pro Tip: We must strongly emphasize the need for proper acclimatization. Huaraz itself is at a high altitude (3,052m / 10,013 ft), and the popular treks and lakes are situated at significantly higher elevations. Plan for several days of rest and light activity before attempting strenuous hikes.

20. Kuélap Fortress (Chachapoyas)

• What it is: A massive, walled citadel built by the Chachapoyas, the “Cloud Warriors,” located in the cloud forests of northern Peru.
• Why visit: An impressive pre-Inca ruin that predates Machu Picchu by centuries. It’s far less crowded, offering a more tranquil and exploratory experience.
• Pro Tip: Access to this remote site has been greatly improved by a modern cable car system, which now transports visitors up the steep mountainside. This makes the impressive fortress more accessible than ever before.