These Are the Top 6 Destinations in Peru
Peru is a traveler’s paradise, a vast country where you are always within a few hours of coast, mountains, and rainforest. A melting pot of ancient cultures, colonial tradition, and modern world influences, there is something here for everyone!
Greatest tourist attractions in Peru to spend with friends:
1.- Machu Picchu, Cusco
This seminal destination is probably what drives most people to visit Peru. Considered one of the new 7 Wonders of the World (alongside heavy hitters such as the Great Wall of China and the Roman Colosseum) Machu Picchu doesn’t disappoint.
One of the most memorable ways to get to Machu Picchu is via the train, which departs from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. The rail journey transports passengers through the spectacular views of the Sacred Valley’s countryside. Besides, who doesn’t love a majestic train ride?
To visit Machu Picchu you need tobuy your ticket in advance of your trip. To help regulate the amount of people who visit the site each day, there are a limited number of tickets available. You can purchase them online at the Ministerio de Cultura’s webpage. The ticket purchasing site is only available in Spanish, so follow this guide.
The weather here can be temperamental—sunny and warm one moment and gray and raining the next. Be sure to dress in layers, pack light, and bring waterproof jackets and gear. Enjoy the view and the few native llamas and alpacas that call Machu Picchu their home!
2.- The Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley, also known as Urubamba Valley, is a prime destination for exploring Inca ruins and enjoying outdoor activities. You can easily make day trips to this region from Cusco or Machu Picchu.
You can book adventure tours for mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and rafting with agencies throughout the region. Cusco Journeys are well priced and can accommodate various activity levels.
There are several breathtaking locations to explore in the Sacred Valley before making your journey to Machu Picchu. The Salinas de Maras is a network of nearly 3,000 salt pans that are filled by an underground spring. The terraced ponds are a beautiful sight and worth the trip. Just 3 miles away is the ancient site of Moray. The deep, bowl-like impressions in the Earth (about 100 feet) are believed to have served as an Incan agricultural laboratory. Your last stop should be the town of Ollantaytambo, home to an Incan fortress with large stone terraces built into the hillside. It is also a common starting point for the Inca Trail, a hiking route to Machu Picchu.
3.- Puno & Lake Titicaca
Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca stands out as a showstopper despite Peru’s extraordinary range of natural gems. In fact, the Incas believed that it was the birthplace of the sun.
Not only is Titicaca the largest lake in South America, but it is also the highest navigable lake in the entire world. Situated at around 12,500ft above sea level, this only adds to the allure of the lake. The stunning surrounding scenery and fascinating local communities also make this one of the top places to visit in Peru.
4.- Cusco
Whilst Lima is the official capital city of Peru, Cusco does boast the better history and culture, largely due to its identity as the former capital of the Inca Empire. A Boleto Turistico del Cusco pass gives access to 15 key historic sites, from the ruins of Qoricancha to the amusingly named Sacsayhuaman. With Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail just over the hills, most travellers are tempted to get out of Cusco as soon as possible. But for the patient visitor prepared to extend their stay by a day or two, this stunning colonial city reveals even more of its charms.
Other attractions include the stunning Plaza Armas in the heart of the city. Home to Cusco Cathedral, the square is always a hubbub of activity, with plenty of shops and cafes lining the edges. You’ll also want to visit the lively San Pedro Market and wander around the San Blas neighbourhood, an artisan quarter with an array of lovely galleries and boutiques.
In addition to this, visit the Museo del Pisco to attend cocktail classes and learn how to make the famous Peruvian cocktail, pisco sour. Lastly, head out of town to explore the culture and landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
5.- Lima, A Modern City
On any trip to Peru, you will arrive in the capital of Peru, Lima. The Peruvian capital is where all international flights usually land. Lima is located on the coast of Peru and has many interesting attractions that you must explore. In the historic center of the city is where the government buildings are located and every day at noon there is a changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace, a singular event inside tourist attractions in Peru.
Also located in the center of the city is the church of San Francisco, one of the most important religious buildings in the center. The church houses the oldest cemetery in South America, and you can see the bones on display in the church’s catacombs. The church also has a library that houses a collection of Spanish chronicles on display.
Make sure you don’t miss the beachside suburbs in Lima, like Miraflores or Barranco, home to fashion and a really cool art scene. These suburbs have some of the best restaurants in Peru. And when we talk about the cuisine of Lima, it is something that is really worth trying. Make sure you visit Lima during the summer in Peru, as you will have the opportunity to enjoy the beaches like other charming places.
6.- The Amazon Rainforest
When talking about the Amazon Rainforest, most people automatically think of Brazil. However, this mighty jungle stretches across a total of nine countries, and around 302,000 square miles of rainforest fall within Peru’s borders. Moreover, Peru is the only South American country where you can experience each of the rainforest’s different forms. In fact, Peru is where the Amazon gets its start in life, winding its way down from Carhuasanta through the Andes mountains and into the Amazon basin on the other side.
The Peruvian part of the Amazon jungle is possibly the most diverse and prolific section of all. In fact, this rainforest is home to the most complex and biodiverse ecosystem on Earth, with countless iconic species inhabiting the jungle. Peru’s Manu National Park is actually one of the most bio-diverse areas in the whole world, boasting at least 1,000 birds and over 200 mammal species.
Therefore, the Amazon is one of the best places to visit in Peru for nature lovers. From cute capybara to the elusive jaguar, and the gorgeous pink river dolphin to the snapping caiman crocodile, visitors to the rainforest are sure to embrace the awe-inspiring wildlife here.