When traveling to Peru, the abundance of sights makes it challenging to experience everything in just one trip. Here’s a summary of the best places to visit in peru, ranging from vibrant cities to ancient locations that continue to intrigue archaeologists.
Explore our Peru itineraries for inspiration on planning your trip. Our Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure offers a thrilling and action-packed schedule, featuring the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, along with biking, trekking, and jungle exploration.
1. Machu Picchu – Peru’s most renowned destination
Machu Picchu stands as both the most celebrated and the least understood of the Inca sites. Discovered in 1911, Machu Picchu has been acclaimed as one of the greatest architectural and archaeological achievements globally. However, its construction methods and purposes remain subjects of debate among experts. Experiencing the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu is a remarkable and unforgettable journey that will leave a lasting impression.
Walking in the footsteps of the Incas immerses you in the rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and mystical essence of ancient Peru. Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating experiences in Peru. For details on reaching Machu Picchu, check out these adventures.
2. Arequipa – a top city to explore in Peru
Established in 1540, Arequipa is Peru’s second-largest city after Lima. It is known as “La Ciudad Blanca” (The White City) due to its sparkling white buildings constructed from sillar, a light volcanic stone. Surrounded by three volcanoes, including the still-active El Misti, Arequipa is also near some of the world’s deepest and most dramatic canyons.
Be sure to visit the Plaza de Armas, Peru’s most picturesque town square, framed by a white colonnaded arcade. Enjoy a meal at a picanteria and try ‘rocoto relleno,’ a spicy local pepper stuffed with minced meat and melted cheese.
3. Cusco – a remarkable archaeological city in Peru
Once the heart of the Inca Empire in the 14th century, Cusco is a captivating city in Southern Peru, rich in ancient artifacts and modern attractions.
As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Cusco is situated at 11,150 feet (3400 meters) in the Andes. While acclimating to the altitude, explore the city’s many attractions. Visit the grand Sacsayhuaman Fortress from the 15th century, enjoy the atmosphere of the Plaza de Armas, or see the Coricancha – the Inca Golden Temple of the Sun, among other sites!
4. Iquitos – a hidden gem in Peru
Iquitos, with approximately half a million residents, is the largest city in the world inaccessible by road. Located along the Amazon River in the Northern Amazon Basin, it serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the unique wildlife and pristine jungle of the national parks.
Iquitos presents a fascinating mix of contrasts with luxury cruise ships and traditional dugout canoes navigating the river, modern air-conditioned restaurants next to local street food stalls, and fast-moving motorized tricycles alongside leisurely strolling locals!
5. Lake Titicaca – the most breathtaking lake in Peru
Lake Titicaca was revered as the most sacred water body by the ancient Incas. Legend has it that the Sun God commanded the first Inca to emerge from its waters to establish the Inca Empire, and it is considered the birthplace of the world according to mythology.
Today, at 12,530 feet (over 3800 meters above sea level), it is the highest navigable lake globally. Straddling Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is a hub where numerous subsistence farmers fish its cold waters, cultivate potatoes on its rocky shores, and herd llamas and alpacas at high altitudes. Traces of Spanish conquest and recent modernization are evident. With a surface area of over 3,100 square miles, not including its numerous islands, the lake is so vast it has waves. It is easily reachable from the charming town of Puno, Peru, or Challapampa on the Bolivian side. Notable attractions include the Uros Islands or “Floating Islands,” Taquile Island, Isla Sol, Puno, and Amantani Island.
6. Lima – the captivating capital city in Peru
As Peru’s capital and its industrial and financial hub, Lima is often the starting or ending point of your journey. It is the most populous city in Peru, and its rich culture can be explored through numerous museums, galleries, and religious sites. Lima also boasts an exciting culinary scene!
Located on a Pacific coastal plain between three rivers, Lima offers various activities such as swimming, surfing, sandboarding, and paragliding.
7. Miraflores – the chic beachfront district in Peru
Miraflores is the part of Lima the government promotes to tourists, and it’s an ideal place to spend time while waiting for a flight or upon arrival. This well-maintained neighborhood in Lima features urban beaches, lush parks, and upscale shopping and dining options.
Here, you can visit some of Peru’s top surfing beaches, stroll through Inca markets near Parque Kennedy, or explore local bars and restaurants to savor Peruvian cuisine.
8. Nazca Lines – one of Peru’s greatest enigmas
The Nazca Lines are among the greatest mysteries captivating scientists worldwide. It remains unclear how the Nazca people created around 300 massive geoglyphs – line drawings of animals, figures, and geometric shapes – on the desert floor between 200 BC and 700 AD.
Many of these lines extend several kilometers, forming precise patterns visible from the air. Their purpose and method of creation are still unknown, with theories ranging from extraterrestrial involvement to artistic expression since their discovery in 1927. These intriguing formations are located about six hours by road from Lima.
9. Puno – the “Folklore Capital” in Peru
Situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Puno was the origin of the Aymara civilization, descendants of the Incas. This important agricultural and livestock region is known for its grazing llamas and alpacas on vast plateaus. Puno is also a cultural hub for artistic expression, particularly dance.
10. Rainbow Mountain – one of Peru’s most stunning locations
Rainbow Mountain’s vivid, multicolored stripes in the Andes are a breathtaking sight. Located 62 miles from Cusco and standing at 16,000 feet above sea level, this sacred mountain in Peru can be explored on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback.
