Places To Visit in Peru

Places To Visit in Peru Many travelers decide to take their vacations visiting to Peru to visit Machu Picchu and some places in South America. And while this world wonder destination never fails to impress, what really captures people’s hearts are the rich cultural traditions, friendly people, delicious food, and magnificent nature found across the country. From high mountains and untouched rainforest to coastal desert and gorgeous beaches, Peru has it all. Browse our destinations and find inspiration for your trip.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Peru’s greatest claim to tourism fame, Machu Picchu lives up to its hype as a mystical and awe-inspiring 15th-century archaeological site. Built with incredible precision, attention to detail and at great height of 7972ft (2430m) above sea level, Machu Picchu includes temples, private quarters and ceremonial platforms that continue to radiate sacred energy. Machu Picchu, meaning “old peak” in the indigenous Quechua language of the Andes, can be reached by a two-hour train ride from the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo, or the truly intrepid can walk in the footsteps of the Incas along the classic Inca Trail, a four- to five-day trek that traverses 26 miles (42km).

Cusco

Most trips to Machupicchu trips start from Cusco, which is a few hours away from the world wonder. This historic city boasts a dramatic mountainous backdrop, and plenty of attractions to keep travellers entertained while they acclimatize to the altitude (3,400 metres!) before setting off on multi-day treks.

Panoramic view of Plaza de Armas with Inca fountain, Cathedral and Compania de Jesus Church – Cusco, Peru. Some of the best things to do in Cusco Peru are:

Wander around Plaza de Armas in the heart of the city, which houses the towering Cathedral of Santo Domingo and Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus. This is also where some of the city’s best restaurants, hotels and shops are.

Sip Peru’s national drink at Museo del Pisco. More bar than museum, it’s dedicated to the citrusy cocktail and guests can choose from a dozen infusions or do a pisco tasting.

Lima

Lima - Peru As Peru’s capital and largest city, Lima is a sprawling metropolis of almost 9 million people. The city was founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro and offers a rich history as well as exceptional food, a great sense of culture.

You’ll find modern buildings contrasting with traditional and colonial architecture and orderly slums alongside raving nightclubs and bars. Ruled by the Spanish for three centuries, Lima boasts intriguing Spanish-colonial churches, cloisters, and monasteries – a real treat for history buffs.

Because of its location close to the coast, Lima is a great foodie destination for seafood lovers. A Lima food tour is a great way to taste your way through the city’s authentic Peruvian delights like Ceviche, with a visit to some of the most authentic markets and restaurants in the city.

Whether you’re taking a stroll through the historic heart of Lima Centro and its craft markets or exploring the more tourist-friendly green suburb of Miraflores, which overflows with antique shops and bars, you’re in for something special in Lima.

Ballestas Islands and The Nazca Lines

Nazca Lines and Ballestas Islands South of Lima, the Ballestas Islands, known as the “the little galapagos island”, consist of arches and caves which serve as shelters to over 1500 species of marine birds and thousands of sea lions. The Nazca Lines, a series of inexplicable, ancient geoglyphs created between 400 and 650AD, with peculiar motifs created by removing the red pebbles and exposing a whiter ground beneath, continue to baffle scientists. The figures are best seen from a plane as an aerial view can show the size of these geoglyphs. Some are several hundred feet long, such as the hummingbird, monkey, condor and even an “astronaut”.

Huacachina Oasis

Huacachina Oasis Lying just outside the city of Ica in the southwest of Peru, Huacachina is a popular place to visit thanks to its surreal location surrounded by dunes. Emerging out of the desert like a mirage, the small settlement is clustered around a secluded oasis, with gently waving palm trees and nothing but sand stretching as far as the eye can see.

Huacachina’s sandy surroundings lend themselves perfectly to all kinds of fun outdoor activities, with sandboarding, quad biking, and dune buggy rides popular pastimes. Clambering to the top of the sifting dunes is also a must for the spectacular views, and sunsets are particularly memorable.

Colca Canyon & Arequipa

Colca Canyon and Arequipa On any of our Peru travel packages, add a visit to Arequipa, the city at the foot of El Misti Volcano in the southern deserts of Peru. Arequipa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site complete with beautiful colonial architecture, a cathedral, and the Monasterio de Santa Catalina. Here you will find old world charm with colorful buildings and Spanish-style plazas. A three-hour drive away is the Colca Canyon where the giant Andean condors soar just a few meters above your head.

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca Separating Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca was a sacred body of water to the Incas. In fact, Andean mythology often points to the high-altitude lake as the place of origin of the first Inca, Manco Capac, and his wife, Mama Ocllo. A geological wonder, Lake Titicaca lies at 12,500ft (3810m) above sea level, making it the highest navigable body of water in the world. Glide out to the floating reed islands that dot the lake to meet the Uros people, who live a fascinating life committed to the preservation of indigenous handicrafts and fishing. Tourism is incredibly important for this community, and some families offer homestays.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas

Sacred Valley of the Incas The Sacred Valley of the Incas is in Peru’s Andean highlands and is an integral part of Peru’s agricultural history. It is here where the Inca Empire was formed, along with Cusco and Machu Picchu. This beautiful land spans roughly 60 kilometers (37 miles) and acts as fertile farmland for all kinds of crops. Follow the Urubamba River to the charming market town of Pisac and massive Incan terraces of Ollantaytambo while exploring the Sacred Valley.

The Peruvian Amazon Rainforest

Peruvian Amazon Rainforest The Peruvian Amazon covers about 60% of the country and is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Get ready to get up close and personal with wildlife and creepy crawlers!

One of the easiest ways to get to the Amazon is by plane or bus from Cusco to Manu National Park or Puerto Maldonado both places are part of the amazon.

One standout experience offered to guests is a visit to Lake Machuwasi and Sandoval lake, home to Capibaras, Hotzing, caimans, and howler monkeys—to name a few. Other not-to-miss adventures are the guided night walk through the Amazon jungle (you’ll be seeing a potential variety of creepy to cute; tarantulas to kinkajous), the twilight river excursion.