30 Best Places to visit in Peru
Top 30 must-visit places in Peru: Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and more
Essentials
- Machu Picchu: Peru's iconic "Lost City of the Incas" and a New Seven Wonder, best booked months in advance.
- Cusco: The historic Inca capital and primary hub for exploring the region, blending Inca and colonial charm.
- Sacred Valley: Essential for altitude acclimatization, featuring remarkable Inca ruins like Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Moray.
- Maras Salt Mines: A surreal landscape of ancient salt-evaporation ponds, offering unique photogenic views.
The Sacred Valley & Cusco: Heart of the Inca Empire
This region forms the core of most itineraries in Peru. It is essential to plan for proper altitude acclimatization upon arrival. Spending your first few days in either Cusco or the lower-elevation Sacred Valley before undertaking strenuous hikes or activities is crucial for your comfort and safety.
1. Machu Picchu
Why it’s essential: This is the legendary “Lost City of the Incas” and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. For the majority of travelers, it represents the primary highlight of their journey to Peru.
What to expect: A remarkable citadel of masterfully crafted stone temples, agricultural terraces, and residential plazas, all set against a dramatic backdrop of steep, verdant mountains. The setting and scale are truly breathtaking.
Traveler’s Tip: Entry is managed through several designated circuits, each offering a different perspective of the site. We recommend booking your tickets and train or trek arrangements at least two to three months in advance, as capacity is limited. The most common ways to arrive are via a scenic train journey from Ollantaytambo or by completing a multi-day trek, such as the Inca Trail.
2. Cusco
Why it’s essential: As the historic capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco serves as the primary and most convenient hub for exploring the entire region.
What to expect: A vibrant and captivating city where Inca and Spanish colonial histories converge. You will find charming cobblestone streets, a magnificent central square (Plaza de Armas), the artisanal neighborhood of San Blas, and a wealth of well-preserved architecture.
3. Ollantaytambo
Why it’s essential: A unique and impressively preserved living Inca town, distinguished by its massive fortress-temple complex that looms over the village.
What to expect: The opportunity to climb steep stone terraces for incredible views of the valley, a charming village with original Inca water channels still functioning, and a lively market. It is also the location of the main train station for departures to Machu Picchu.
4. Pisac
Why it’s essential: The site is known for two key attractions: one of the most impressive Inca ruins in the valley and a world-famous traditional market in the town below.
What to expect: The archaeological site features sprawling agricultural terraces carved into the mountain and a beautifully preserved Inca citadel at the summit. The town hosts a colorful market, which is at its largest and most vibrant on Sundays.
5. Moray
Why it’s essential: A visually striking and unique archaeological site that offers insight into Inca agricultural innovation.
What to expect: A series of deep, concentric circular terraces that descend into the earth. It is widely believed that this was an Inca agricultural laboratory used to test different crops at varying temperatures and altitudes.
6. Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras)
Why it’s essential: A surreal and photogenic landscape composed of thousands of salt-evaporation ponds that have been in continuous use since pre-Inca times.
What to expect: A spectacular patchwork of white and earthen-toned pools that cascade down a steep mountainside, fed by a subterranean spring. The visual effect is quite remarkable.
7. Sacsayhuamán
Why it’s essential: A colossal Inca fortress-temple complex on the hills overlooking Cusco, showcasing some of the most impressive and large-scale stonework of the entire empire.
What to expect: Enormous, perfectly fitted polygonal stone walls that stand as a testament to advanced ancient engineering. It is an easy and rewarding half-day trip from the city center.
8. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Why it’s essential: A geological wonder celebrated for its vibrant, mineral-striped slopes that create a rainbow-like effect.
What to expect: A very challenging day-hike at high altitude (over 5,000 meters / 16,400 feet). The physical exertion is rewarded with otherworldly views of the mountain and surrounding Andean peaks.
Traveler’s Tip: This trek is physically demanding and requires proper acclimatization. Please assess your fitness level carefully. For a similar visual experience with a less strenuous hike and typically smaller crowds, consider the alternative destination of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.
9. Humantay Lake
Why it’s essential: A jewel-toned glacial lake that presents one of the most beautiful and sought-after photo opportunities in the Andes.
What to expect: A moderately strenuous uphill hike that culminates at a breathtaking turquoise lagoon. The lake rests at the foot of the snow-capped Humantay Mountain, creating a spectacular scene.
Coastal Peru: Deserts, History, and a Culinary Capital
This section explores the diverse Pacific coast, from the modern, sophisticated capital city to the ancient mysteries etched into the southern deserts. It offers a distinct contrast to the Andean highlands.
10. Lima
Why it’s essential: Peru’s vibrant capital is not just a travel hub but also a globally celebrated culinary destination, home to some of the world’s best restaurants.
What to expect: Explore the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre with its grand colonial architecture, the bohemian Barranco district filled with art galleries and cafes, and the upscale Miraflores district, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean.
11. Huacachina
Why it’s essential: A picturesque desert oasis that has become a popular center for adventure sports and recreation.
What to expect: A small, tranquil lagoon surrounded by palm trees and enclosed by massive sand dunes. The primary activities here are thrilling dune buggy rides across the desert landscape and sandboarding down the steep dunes.
12. Nazca Lines
Why it’s essential: One of archaeology’s greatest enigmas, these enormous geoglyphs, created by the Nazca culture, are etched into the desert floor and are best appreciated from above.
What to expect: The most effective way to view the famous figures (such as the hummingbird, spider, and astronaut) is by taking a small scenic flight. For those who prefer to stay on the ground, a viewing tower offers a limited but still interesting perspective of a few designs.
13. Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands
Why it’s essential: A protected area that marks a stunning intersection of desert and ocean, serving as a crucial sanctuary for a rich variety of marine life.
What to expect: A boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often called “the poor man’s Galápagos,” provides close-up views of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of marine birds. The reserve itself features dramatic coastal cliffs, expansive desert, and unique red-sand beaches.
The Peruvian Amazon: Unparalleled Biodiversity
Peru offers several gateways to the Amazon basin. Your choice depends on your interests and time. Puerto Maldonado provides more accessible, lodge-based experiences in the southern Amazon, while Iquitos is the entry point to the remote northern Amazon and the mighty Amazon River itself.
14. Tambopata National Reserve (via Puerto Maldonado)
Why it’s essential: An accessible yet incredibly biodiverse section of the Amazon rainforest, ideal for those seeking a deep jungle experience without extensive travel time.
What to expect: Stays at comfortable jungle lodges, guided nature hikes, river excursions to spot wildlife like capybaras, monkeys, and caimans, and visits to macaw clay licks, where hundreds of colorful birds gather.
15. Iquitos & the Amazon River
Why it’s essential: The gateway to the vast northern Amazon, offering the distinct experience of traveling on the mighty Amazon River.
What to expect: A bustling and unique jungle city that is accessible only by air or river. It serves as the primary starting point for multi-day river cruises and expeditions to visit remote indigenous communities and explore flooded forests.
16. Manu National Park
Why it’s essential: A UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for being one of the most pristine and protected areas of the Amazon basin, boasting extraordinary levels of biodiversity.
What to expect: This destination is for serious nature enthusiasts. It requires an immersive, multi-day expedition that offers unparalleled opportunities to see rare and elusive wildlife, including giant river otters, jaguars, and a vast array of bird species.
The Andean Highlands: Beyond the Sacred Valley
This section highlights other significant destinations in the high-altitude regions of Peru, offering cultural, historical, and natural experiences that extend beyond the well-trodden path between Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Peru offers exceptional birdwatching lodges across its diverse habitats. In the Manu region, the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge is famous for sightings of Peru’s national bird, while the Manu Wildlife Center provides access to spectacular macaw clay licks. For those seeking remote wilderness, the Tambopata Research Center within the Tambopata National Reserve is a top-tier destination for rare Amazonian species.
In the northern Andes, the Abra Patricia Owlet Lodge is essential for spotting the rare Long-whiskered Owlet and other endemics. For a mix of comfort and biodiversity, Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica near Puerto Maldonado is highly recommended. These lodges are distinguished by their strategic locations and expert birding guides, ensuring high species counts for visitors exploring Peru’s avian diversity.
Peru is a premier global destination for birdwatching, featuring diverse habitats that support over 1,800 species. Manu National Park and the Tambopata National Reserve are world-renowned for their Amazonian biodiversity and vibrant macaw clay licks. For those seeking high-altitude species, the Colca Canyon provides the best opportunity to see the Andean Condor, while Abra Malaga is a hotspot for unique Andean endemics. On the coast, the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands offer sightings of Humboldt penguins and numerous marine birds. Additionally, Northern Peru’s Abra Patricia reserve is a must-visit for rare species like the Marvelous Spatuletail hummingbird and the Long-whiskered Owlet.
The best time for birdwatching in Peru is generally from September to November. During these months, many species are in their breeding season, making them more active, vocal, and easier to spot. This period also coincides with the arrival of migratory birds from the northern hemisphere, which significantly increases species diversity across various habitats.
The dry season from May to September is also a prime time, particularly for exploring the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. Lower rainfall during these months ensures better trail conditions and easier accessibility to remote birding sites. For those interested in coastal species, the southern summer between December and March is ideal for observing shorebirds and seabirds. While Peru offers productive birding opportunities year-round, the transition between the dry and wet seasons typically provides the most rewarding experience
Yes, a mirrorless camera can withstand a trip to high mountains with subzero temperatures if it is designed for durability and weather resistance. Many manufacturers produce models with tough, weather-sealed bodies that can handle cold, moisture, and dust. However, it is essential to check the manufacturer’s specifications for operating temperature ranges to ensure reliability in subzero conditions. Additionally, cold temperatures can affect battery performance, so carrying extra batteries and keeping them warm is advisable. Some users also carry silica gel packs to minimize internal condensation when moving between temperature extremes. Proper care and preparation can help ensure the camera functions well in high-altitude, cold environments.
Sharp, pointed mountain peaks are primarily formed by the processes of erosion and tectonic activity. When tectonic plates collide, they push the earth’s crust upward to form mountains, and peaks get sharper over time as erosion by wind, rain, and ice wears away the softer rock. This geological activity sculpts the dramatic, sky-pointing shapes seen in many mountain ranges.
