Peru is a country brimming with culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re into ancient Inca ruins, vibrant cities, or breathtaking natural landscapes, Peru has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the must-visit places in Peru to help you plan your trip and make the most out of your time in this amazing country.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is probably the most famous spot in Peru. This ancient Inca city set high in the Andes mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s a location rich in history and offers breathtaking views. The most popular way to get there is by hiking the Inca Trail, but if you’re not into hikes, a train from Cusco will get you there too.
Getting to Machu Picchu
Most travelers head to Machu Picchu via the town of Cusco, the gateway to the site. If you want to enjoy the full experience, the classic Inca Trail takes around 4 days. Alternatively, trains leave from Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Urubamba, making it easier if you’re short on time.
Cusco
Cusco is the historical capital of the Inca Empire and attracts travelers for its unique mix of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. It’s great to spend a couple of days exploring the cobblestone streets, local markets, and churches. The difference between the old Inca walls and the colonial buildings is striking and shows the strong cultural heritage of the city. Don’t miss the Plaza de Armas where you can sit back and people-watch or head to nearby ruins like Sacsayhuamán.
Exploring the Sacred Valley
From Cusco, it’s an easy hop to visit the Sacred Valley. This fertile region was once the heart of the Inca Empire. Towns like Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo offer everything from Inca ruins to local markets. Don’t forget to shop for handmade textiles and souvenirs while you’re there.
The Amazon Rainforest
Peru is home to a large part of the Amazon rainforest. If you love nature and wildlife, visiting the Peruvian Amazon is a must. Your best entry points are Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado. Both places are perfect for exploring the jungle, especially through guided boat tours along the rivers.
Puerto Maldonado
For a more accessible Amazon experience, consider joining a tour from Puerto Maldonado. Here, you can find comfortable lodges, and excursions that let you explore the incredible biodiversity of the rainforest, including chances to spot monkeys, caimans, and colorful birds.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, sits between Peru and Bolivia. Head to the town of Puno for boat trips to the man-made Uros Islands or a visit to Isla Taquile. The lake is stunningly beautiful and deeply significant in local culture. Be sure to spend a day or two soaking it in.
Uros and Taquile Islands
The floating Uros Islands are made entirely out of reeds. Locals still live their traditional way of life here. Isla Taquile is known for its textile art, and its inhabitants have preserved their ancient customs.
Arequipa
Arequipa, known as the “White City” due to its buildings made from white volcanic stone (sillar), is a charming, less-crowded alternative to Lima or Cusco. The city is surrounded by scenic volcanoes and offers some great day trips. It’s a great place to experience a mix of Peruvian and Spanish cultures. Be sure to visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a beautiful convent that feels like a city within itself.
Visit the Colca Canyon
If you’re in Arequipa, visiting the Colca Canyon is a must. It’s twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the US, and home to condors that fly overhead in the morning. You can either take a guided trek down into the valley or simply stop by the viewpoints.
Lima
Lima, the capital, tends to be where most trips start or end. It’s a huge city with a diverse food scene, excellent museums, and historic sites. The coastal Miraflores district is popular with tourists and has some fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean. Wandering through Lima’s historical center or dining at one of the many world-class restaurants is a great way to spend a few days here.
Museum of Larco
For those of you interested in history, the Museum of Larco is where you can get up close with a stunning collection of pre-Columbian art. It’s one of the city’s most famous museums and is worth checking out if you’re in Lima.
Paracas and the Ballestas Islands
South of Lima is the small coastal town of Paracas, a perfect spot to check out wildlife. Head here for boat tours to the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Poor Man’s Galapagos,” where you can see seals, sea lions, and penguin colonies in their natural habitat.
Huacachina
Not too far from Paracas is Huacachina, an oasis located in the middle of the desert. Here, you can try sandboarding or just take a dune buggy ride in the nearby dunes. It’s a unique experience you won’t want to miss.
Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca
For those who love hiking and the outdoors, the area around Huaraz is nothing short of stunning. The Cordillera Blanca mountain range offers a plethora of treks, the most famous being the Laguna 69 hike. The surreal blue waters of Laguna 69 at the end of the hike are totally worth the effort.
The Nazca Lines
Another of Peru’s most mysterious sites is the Nazca Lines. These massive geoglyphs etched into the desert floor are best viewed from the air. Flights over the lines are available from the nearby town of Nazca. The purpose behind these remarkable designs remains a mystery to this day.
Best Time to See the Nazca Lines
It is best to visit during the dry season to avoid flights being canceled due to bad weather. This generally lasts from May to October.
Trujillo
Trujillo is a city in northern Peru that boasts a lot of archaeological finds. It lies close to both the Chan Chan ruins and the temples of the Sun and Moon. The adobe city of Chan Chan was the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas and is a fascinating place to explore.
Last Tips
Finally, since Peru has such diverse geography, pack appropriately depending on where you’re going. In places like Cusco and Machu Picchu, you’ll need to be ready for chilly mornings and warm afternoons. In the Amazon, prepare for heat and humidity. And no matter where you go, take altitude sickness into consideration if you’re traveling to high-altitude places.
Hopefully, this list gives you a good starting point when planning your trip to Peru. Whether you’re there to immerse yourself in history, hike into the wilderness, or just soak up some local culture, Peru has a little something for everyone. Enjoy!
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