Regardless if you are coming for one week or several months, there are plenty of incredible places to visit in Peru which can be experienced on any timeframe.
Whilst in this diverse country we can explore the deep depths of the Amazon Jungle, go surfing along the legendary Pacific Coast, hike through the snow-capped Andes and also try some delicious Peruvian cuisine. In fact your only issue will be deciding between all of these must visit places in Peru for your own trip, and how you’ll fit them in!
In this guide we’ll explore some of the most iconic destinations in Peru, as well as some other low-key spots that are worth visiting. We’ll also answer some of your most frequent questions, and overall help you to plan your most unforgettable trip through Peru.
Table of Contents
Below we’ll now jump into the best places to visit in Peru. These are all ranked in no particular order, so it’s worth taking your time to properly read through them all.
There’s no place quite like the capital, with Lima ranking in as one of the most popular places in Peru for tourists to explore.
Home to the country’s largest international airport, the majority of trips begin here. The historic center is renowned for its impressive baroque cathedrals and terraced buildings, where we can also visit the chilling San Francisco Catacombs (which are reported to have over 25,000 skeletons both buried and on display here).
Lima is also known for its trendy and varied districts. Barranco is the bohemian heart of the city, where we can visit gorgeous plazas and also walk around quirky museums such as those of Jade Rivera and Pedro de Osma. Another must-visit area is Miraflores, where we can visit the ancient ruins of Huaca Pucllana, walk along the infamous green hills of the Costa Verde and also try some impressive dishes in the restaurants here.
One of the most popular places in Peru, we now head deep into the Peruvian Andes where we can find the humble yet extremely impressive Sacred Valley region.
Located between 2000-4000 meters above sea-level, this region was once the kingdom of the ancient Inca Civilisation – who were one of the most formidable forces to be reckoned with throughout Peru’s long history. Many of their finest stone works and ruins can be explored in towns such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac and Urubamba, where we can also pick up some colorful, warm souvenirs for the cooler evenings.
If you are interested in hiking when in Peru then the Sacred Valley is one of the best places to head to. Here there are numerous glacial lagoons such as Lake Humantay which can be visited as day trips, as well as the incredible journey to Machu Picchu. There are also some unforgettable multi-day treks to consider in this region too, such as the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek.
When going through this list of unforgettable, must visit places in Peru, it’s impossible not to mention the buzzing jungle city of Iquitos.
Situated deep within the Amazon Jungle, no roads lead to Iquitos – meaning we’ll have to fly here directly from Lima. As well as making for an extra adventure, this logistical disconnection also means we’ll land within one of Peru’s most biodiverse natural areas. There are reportedly over 5000 animal species found in the surrounding jungle, and that’s just counting those that have been discovered!
There are many single-day and multi-day tours you can take into the jungle, and it really is a must when in Peru. Heading downstream in a canoe we can see endemic Pink River Dolphins, whilst Caiman and Pirañas can usually be spotted too. Back on dry-land we can see everything from Sloths and Saki Monkeys to the colorful Macaws Parrots. If you’re lucky you may even spot the elusive Jaguar too.
No trip to Peru can truly be complete without visiting Cusco, which is full of ancient ruins, beautiful colonial complexes and a distinct cheerful atmosphere.
Cusco is steeped in ancient history, and was the capital of the Inca civilization who once roamed these lands between the 13th-16th centuries. Walking around the city today there are many must-see sites from their reign which include the temple of Qorikancha, the site of Sacsayhuamán, Tambomachay ruins as well as the stone forest of Q’enqo. Woven between these gems are colonial buildings built during the later period of the Spanish Empire, which include the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas as well as the Santo Domingo Convent.
This city also serves as the perfect basecamp for exploring the surrounding Andean regions. From here can easily visit Machu Picchu with a tour, as well as head on different treks and multi-day hikes throughout the Sacred Valley such as to Rainbow Mountain. It’s one of those cities where it’s worth keeping a flexible schedule in – as you never know what might take your next fancy here walking around!
Situated within the desert plains of the Arequipa region, this same-named city has tonnes going for it in all departments and is easily ranks as one of the best places to visit in Peru.
First of all we can notice a stark difference in the architecture here, with most buildings having a shiny white facade. This is because they were created using volcanic rocks that were excavated from nearby valleys, with the best examples being the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas as well as the Mirador of Yanahuara. You’ll want to fully-charge your phone before walking around, given there’s also the red-stained Santa Catalina Monastery that is worth exploring too!
Arequipa also has some incredible natural wonders nearby to the city. The Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon on earth, and is the perfect place to spot soaring Andean Condors within the ravines. There are also three giant volcanoes nearby – El Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu – all of which are challenging yet rewarding hikes. Overall these make Arequipa a must visit place in Peru for those who seek both adventure and incredible landscapes!
Most geographical talk of Peru is reserved for the regions of the coast, the Andes as well as the Amazon Jungle. However Peru is also home to the scorching Ica Desert too.
Sandwiched between these giant orange dunes we can find the oasis town of Huacachina, which really has to be seen with your own eyes to be believed. The surrounding dunes measure over 1600ft in height – and climbing up these will offer some extraordinary views over this incredible town. As a result Huacachina is quickly becoming one of the most popular places in Peru, as tourists from all corners of the globe look to experience these unbelievable dunes.
Huacachina is also the perfect place to carry out some pretty unique activities. These giant dunes are the perfect place to go Sandboarding for a true rush of adrenaline, where we will also be able to head on a Dune Buggy Ride as we fly around these incredible landscapes. Nearby we can also head to a Pisco Winery to sample and learn more about Peru’s national drink.
Lesser-known than Cusco (yet also located within the nearby Andes), Ayacucho is a beautiful city full of colonial architecture and a raw Peruvian vibe.
It’s the perfect place to explore beautiful mazing streets and local cuisine without as many tourists around, which can sometimes be an issue in the more popular destinations throughout the country. Ayacucho is most famous for its huge number of churches – 33 to be exact – which come in all shapes, sizes and colors and are great to come and explore on a trip here.
There are also many worthwhile day trips to head on from the city. The emerald pools of Millpu are a highlight, where we can hike through the valleys to see these bright green cascades and also head down to the water’s edge The other must-visit destination is the Pampas de Ayacucho, which is a historical sanctuary and site – where the battle here ended with Peru gaining their independence from Spain in 1824 (which marks arguably the most important date in Peru’s history).
If you’re looking to explore a more secluded area of the Amazon Jungle which is even more biodiverse than Iquitos – then you’ll want to head to Puerto Maldonado during your trip which ranks as one of our top must visit places in Peru.
The gateway to the incredible Tambopata region, this natural area is home to almost 2000 animal species – with over 1000 types of native butterflies alone! It’s known to be one of the best places to sight a Jaguar in South America, and throughout the rainforest we can spot many other species such as Giant River Otters, Tapir, Howler Monkeys as well as the Harpy Eagle.
With direct flights from Lima it’s easy to get here, although this city and surrounding jungle still feels more authentic and raw than many other parts of the Peruvian Amazon. There are various wildlife centers and protected areas here that you will want to visit, which includes the Collpas (clay-licks) where we can see dozens of colorful Macaw Parrots and Parakeets feeding and lounging around as they please.
Whilst all other destinations here are either a city or expansive region, Caral is instead an ancient site which definitely deserves its own spot on our list.
Dating back over 5000 years, this ancient site is located just outside of Supe which is a few hours north of Lima. As a result it predates any other known site in the Americas, where we can see a giant temple, astrological structures and other different complexes. It was created by the Norte Chico civilization, which at its peak was thought to have housed over 3000 inhabitants here alone.
Caral Ruins are located within the desert, and can easily be reached with an organized day tour from the capital. As well as exploring the different plazas and sites of this urban complex, we can also see many of the important historical artifacts collected in the museum which include woven bags, jewelry and a textile piece used for record keeping. Interestingly enough Caral doesn’t yet rank as one of the more popular places in Peru, meaning you’ll want to head here now before the crowds begin to arrive!
But far one of the most mysterious sites in Peru, the Nazca Lines still cause disagreement between researchers to this day as to why they were created in the first place.
Within the Nazca Desert we can find over 300 geometric shapes and hieroglyphs etched out of these arid plains, which symbolize important figures such as the Spider, the Hummingbird, the Condor as well as the Astronaut. It was believed that the ancient Nazca Lines were made by the Nazca culture as a way to appeal to the gods to end droughts and provide them with water. The best way to see these hieroglyphs is to head on an overflight, where you will get unforgettable 365° views as you fly from above.
The city (and surrounding region) of Nazca itself also has many other interesting sites worth visiting. This includes the Cantalloc Aqueducts and Chauchilla Cemetery, both of which give us more insight into the Nazca civilization and how they both survived and thrived in these harsh desert conditions.
Sandwiched between the towering Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra mountain ranges, Huaraz is known as the unofficial hiking capital of Peru and is a popular place in Peru to go hiking.
Even within the city itself we can see snow-capped peaks in the distance regardless of the time of year, where we can enjoy Andean dishes and hot drinks in traditional restaurants around the plaza. From Huaraz we can visit numerous glacial lakes such as those of Lake Parón and Lake 69 – both of which are famous for their crystal-clear blue and icy green waters.
Not far from Huaraz we can also find the legendary Huascarán National Park, which is arguably the best place to go hiking in this region of South America. The multi-day circuits of Huayhuash and Santa Cruz promise remote lagoons and incredible mountain sunrises, whilst there are also single-day hiking options such as to the peak of the snow-capped Nevado Mateo.
Heading along Peru’s Pacific coast we can find Paracas, which is an unassuming fishing village home to many hidden epic sites and is another great place to visit in Peru.
The Ballestas Islands are by far the most popular destination you can visit here, which are some of the most diverse coastal areas in all of Peru (and as such are regularly compared with the Galápagos Islands). Here we can see the skies full of Cormorants flying in perfectly straight lines, the rare and native colony of Humboldt Penguins living on the islands as well as Sea Lions relaxing on the rocks.
Just outside of Paracas we can spot the ancient Candelabro hieroglyph, which measures 600ft in height and dates back over 2000 years ago (which is seen during the Ballestas Islands tour). Within the town we can also eat some very tasty typical seafood dishes that include Ceviche and Chupe de Camarón, both of which are usually caught and served fresh on the same day. It’s important to note that Paracas is quickly becoming one of the most popular places in Peru, so you’ll want to head to attractions like the Ballestas Islands early in the day to avoid the crowds.
When planning your dream trip around Peru, it’s first important to note the size and geography of this iconic South American country.
Split into three regions (the Coast, Andes and Amazon Jungle), getting between destinations can be challenging and quite time-consuming at times. This is especially true when using public transport like buses, as they are often making lots of local stops between destinations, and also as they are not the most comfortable way to travel.
Flying is by far the most practical way to get around Peru, and especially if your ideal destinations are not so close to each other. Flight prices are also quite competitive too, and a one-way from Lima to Cusco is only $10-20 more expensive than the bus (and is only a 1-2 hour flight compared with a 22 hour journey by road!).
Visiting local destinations either within the region or a neighbouring region is also worth planning in advance too. For example from Lima it’s possible to visit the Nazca Lines and Huacachina in just one day, whilst those wanting to explore the deep Amazon Jungle of Puerto Maldonado will want to book their expedition in advance if possible to guarantee their ideal dates.
As we have seen above, there are numerous must visit places in Peru, and you’ll probably be wondering how you can fit them all into just one itinerary.
Whilst visiting areas like Cusco and Lima are somewhat straightforward, heading to the more popular places in Peru like Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and the Nazca Lines require more planning beforehand. This is because there can be limited spaces, and also logistical challenges in getting to these incredible places. You’ll also need to factor in the weather and seasons too, as these can sometimes make travel difficult (such as the Inca Trail being closed in February every year).
Here at TravelBuddiesPeru we can help you create your dream trip around Peru, which is 100% customisable depending on what you want to see and how much time you have. We’ll take care of all of the logistical challenges and planning parts, leaving you to fully enjoy your trip and have an unforgettable time exploring Peru.
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about the different places to visit in Peru, including our own suggestions for your trip.
With so many diverse regions it can sometimes be hard to make up your mind. If you’re still stuck as to which part of Peru to prioritize, then we recommend heading to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Not only can you enjoy unforgettable scenic hikes here, you can also see ancient ruins whilst visiting unique rural towns within the remote Andes.
When talking about cities, Arequipa is a strong contender for the prettiest place in Peru. Here we can find white buildings built out of volcanic rocks inside the historic centre, as well as the red-stained monastery of Santa Catalina. You’ll also get impressive views of the surrounding volcanoes from the Yanahuara mirador. Other popular places in Peru for their charm include Cusco, Barranco, Ayacucho and Chachapoyas.
Without a doubt Machu Picchu is the most major tourist attraction in all of Peru, given most travel itineraries are built around this legendary Inca fortress. As well as this, the Historic Centre of Cusco and the formidable Nazca Lines also rank as some of the most popular places in Peru, where we can combine beautiful city architecture along with mysterious ancient creations in just one trip!
The Sacred Valley and city of Cusco (both within the Peruvian Andes) are arguably the most important places in all of Peru. Once the beating heart of the formidable Inca civilization, these mountainous regions are filled with historical temples, ruins and other unbelievable creations (such as the perfectly fitted stones of Sacsayhuamán). This is also the region where we can find the infamous Inca Trail which leads all the way to Machu Picchu.
Cusco and Lima are the most visited parts of Peru, due to their variety of incredible attractions, cultures and simple access to get to. The majority of travelers usually include both of these destinations in a Peru trip, although other areas like Iquitos and Huacachina are also quite popular too.
This is a very subjective question, and therefore it really depends on what your tastes are and what you are specifically looking for. If you love untouched rainforest then you will prefer Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos. If you prefer hiking then Huaraz and Cusco will have plenty of epic peaks and routes. If you want unique landscapes then you’ll want to visit the arid regions of Ica and Arequipa.
And that’s all for our guide on the best places to visit in Peru.
One of the most diverse and unique countries in Latin America, Peru has all kinds of fascinating and memorable places to visit. Whether you want to see abundant animal species or go hiking around giant dormant volcanoes, this country has you covered at every corner.
Are you looking to explore Peru? Here at TravelBuddiesPeru we offer a 100% customisable tour where we help you design your own dream trip. Not only can you tick-off multiple destinations, you’ll also have our expert guides on hand to show you around too!
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