While Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are the most popular areas to visit, they only scratch the surface of the very best Peru attractions on offer in this incredible country.
Tourists heading to Peru can enjoy everything from eating unforgettable cuisine in each district region of Peru and visiting the Amazon Rainforest, to flying over the ancient Nazca Lines and hiking to ancient ruins in the remote Andes. For this reason it’s vital to research properly and get to know the best destinations and experiences here, and how to easily add each one into your own travel plans.
In this guide, we’ll explore the very best Peru attractions that are worth exploring during your vacation here. This includes a mix of popular and lesser-known activities, as well as how to visit each one with ease. Later we’ll also answer some of your most asked questions in our FAQ section.
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The 8 Very Best Peru Attractions To Explore
The Nazca Lines
One of Peru’s most mysterious ancient ruins, the Nazca Lines still puzzle researchers to this day to what their exact purpose was. However what we do know is that the ancient Nazca civilisation built them some 2000 years ago, and over 300 giant geometric shapes and lines can be seen during an Nazca Lines Overflight Tour.
Cusco’s Historic Center
Filled with charming alleyways and beautiful colonial buildings, the Historic Center of Cusco is a must-visit up in the high altitude Andes. Travellers can begin their explorations in the famous Plaza de Armas Square, visit the numerous cathedrals, as well as explore the nearby Qorikancha Palace – which was once covered in gold and was an important ceremonial center for the Inca.
Huacachina
A small town located within the arid Ica Desert, the picturesque town of Huacachina has become a famous stop for travellers coming for the day from nearby Lima. Between enjoying the lush oasis town and eating typical Ica cuisine, we can also enjoy an adrenaline-pumping dune buggy and sandboarding tour along its towering sand dunes. Definitely one of the best Peru attractions to add to your itinerary – and especially for those who are after an easy visit from Lima.
The Peruvian Amazon Rainforest
While covering many countries across South America, Peru holds arguably the most dense and concentrated region of wildlife of any country. Puerto Maldonado has a record-high for endemic bird and insect species found nowhere else, and during a tour we can also spot everything from Jaguars and Pink River Dolphins to Capybara and Monkeys.
Machu Picchu
Impossible to leave out of any list or trip itinerary around the country, Machu Picchu was built by the ancient Inca civilization in the early 15th century – and is easy to plan into your vacation around Peru. Travellers can either choose to reach the site with the scenic comfortable trains, or even take on the unforgettable four day Inca Trail where we’ll explore remote ruins and Andean cloudforests.
Peru’s Northern Beaches
While beaches around Lima and Ica are known for their rocky landscapes more than anything else, the beaches further north in the Piura region are a perfect tropical escape. Punta Sal and Vichayito are renowned resorts and have long white sand beaches, while the nearby town of Los Órganos is great for heading on a Humpback Whale spotting tour.
The Ballestas Islands
Commonly referred to as “Peru’s Galápagos Islands”, the Ballestas Islands are an easy visit when heading with an Organised Day Tour From Lima. In just a few hours we can swap hectic city life for a wildlife paradise, where thousands of sea birds fly overhead, and also where Sea Lions and Humboldt Penguins can be spotted with ease during the boat tour which departs from nearby Paracas.
Arequipa
Peru’s second largest city, Arequipa often ends up being the biggest surprise for travellers who explore the country’s southern regions. Its Historic Center is laden with volcanic white stone architecture, and its scenic backdrop of towering volcanoes can be best enjoyed from the mirador of Yanahuara – while adventurists can also enjoy a memorable overnight hike up either El Misti or Chachani.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Very Best Peru Attractions
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about the best Peru attractions, as well as anything else you need to know.
What Is Peru’s Biggest Tourist Attraction?
By far the biggest tourist attraction in Peru has to be Machu Picchu – the ancient Inca citadel built in the early 15th century – which is just a few hours away from Cusco. Welcoming over 1 million tourists annually, it’s very popular all months of the year and can often sell-out – meaning it’s vital to secure your tickets in advance for your travel dates to Peru.
What Should You Not Miss In Peru?
While Machu Picchu is the classic postcard destination, we actually feel that the overall region of Cusco is a must-visit for all tourists coming to Peru. Here we can enjoy the famous colonial architecture and local Andean culture within the city, while the nearby Sacred Valley region offers ancient ruins, beautiful valleys and high altitude mountain hikes.
What Is The Nicest City In Peru?
This really depends on your preferences and style, since Peru has many beautiful cities. However Arequipa is often said to be the nicest city in Peru, which is located on the Andes foothills in the south of the country. Here narrow streets are lined with bright white volcanic rocks, with the Plaza de Armas and Yanahuara areas being some of the most picturesque in the city for tourists to visit.
Overview Of The Best Peru Attractions
And that’s all for this guide on the very best Peru attractions to visit while exploring the country.
Regardless if you are planning to visit Peru for a week or a couple of months, this South American nation has many incredible attractions to explore – from the historic center of Lima to the ancient ruins of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. We’ll also find that many of these destinations are easy to visit on a trip together, and especially when planning your vacation properly with travel experts.
Ready to explore the very best destinations in Peru in style? Get in touch with our team of local experts now, who can plan your dream trip with private guides, perfect accommodation and the very best experiences.
