Celebrated for its gastronomy, revered for its cultural heritage and marveled at for its biodiversity, Peru is a country worthy of repeated visits – how else can you see, taste and experience it all?
Boasting a diverse landscape ranging from mountains and jungle to the sea, Peru offers activities and experiences that are as diverse as its terrain. From soaring Inca ruins to the remains of pre-Hispanic civilisations once buried beneath the desert, these are the best places to visit in Peru.
Machu Picchu’s stunning views are worth the trek © Andres Jacobi / Getty Images
1. Machu Picchu
Ideal for trekking
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Peru’s most famous tourist destination, Machu Picchu lives up to its reputation as a mysterious and awe-inspiring 15th-century archaeological site. Built with incredible precision and attention to detail at an elevation of 2,430 metres (7,972 feet) above sea level, Machu Picchu is home to temples, private estates and ceremonial platforms that continue to exude divine energy. Machu Picchu, which means “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, if you’re really brave, you can follow in the footsteps of the Incas along the classic Inca Trail, a four- to five-day trek that traverses 42 kilometres (26 miles).
Local tip: There are only two types of weather in Machu Picchu – heavy rain or dazzling sunshine, so don’t forget your rain gear and sunscreen.
Caral is one of the oldest major cities in the world © Imágenes del Perú / Getty Images
2. Caral
Perfect for desert explorers
It’s surprising how few tourists visit the ancient city of Caral, founded almost 5,000 years ago and beautifully preserved. Located in the high desert of the Supé Valley, a three-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital Lima, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is older than pottery or the Inca Empire. It’s key to the beginnings of Andean culture and the visible transformation from separate tribes to a shared urban community. Accompanied by a guide, visitors can explore what was once an urban complex of the Norte Chico culture. Comprised of an adobe amphitheater, ceremonial rooms, a circular plaza, and the remains of six pyramids, it’s a vestige of urban planning and agricultural practices that had a profound impact on Peru’s subsequent culture.
3. Kuelap
Great for archaeology enthusiasts
In the Amazonas region of northern Peru, the walled settlement of Kuelap has been in the clouds since the 7th century. Built by the Chachapoyas culture (known as “Warriors of the Clouds”), the fortress is often called the Machu Picchu of the North, even though it sits at a high altitude of 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) above sea level and predates the Inca citadel by at least 500 years. Hundreds of circular structures are spread throughout the site, making it one of the largest stone ruins in the Americas.
Planning tip: Taking a day trip from Chachapoyas to Kuélap is now easy: a cable car takes visitors up to the summit.
Tourists tend to rush through Peru’s Sacred Valley, but the impressive archaeological ruins reward those who take the time to visit © holgs / Getty Images
4. Sacred Valley
Perfect for crafts
The heart of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado) is certainly the gateway to Machu Picchu, but what travelers often overlook in their rush are the villages that nestle within. Here, you’ll find little-known archaeological sites, top artisan workshops and the living culture of the Peruvian highlands. An hour’s drive from Cusco, the bohemian town of Pisac is home to a hilltop Inca citadel and one of the region’s best handicraft markets. To the northwest is Urubamba, a hub for adventure tourism, including rock climbing, trekking and downhill biking. The neighboring village of Ollantaytambo is home to the Inca fortress of the same name.
Local tip: In recent years, Pisac has seen an influx of expats and new agers seeking an Andean paradise, and the local tourism industry has catered to them in every way, from yoga retreats and cleanses to guided psychedelic trips.
Huaraz, Peru’s mountaineering capital, provides access to some of Peru’s greatest natural wonders. © Mikadun / Shutterstock
5. Huaraz
Perfect for climbing
Surrounded by one of the world’s most impressive mountain ranges, the Cordillera Blanca, Huaraz is Peru’s mountaineering capital. Though the town itself is relatively unassuming, it serves as a base for numerous outdoor tours, making Huaraz a must-see destination. Lush valleys lead to the snowy peaks of the Cordillera, dotted with jade-colored lakes and crystal-clear springs. Experienced trekkers aim for the 6,768-metre (22,205-foot) peak of Huascaran, a three-week journey, while day trips to sites like Laguna Churup are satisfying for beginners and time-pressed adventurers.
Arequipa’s architecture deserves its nickname, the White City of Peru © Flavio Huamani / Shutterstock
6. Arequipa
Perfect for colonial architecture
Known as the White City of Peru for its unique colonial architecture made from volcanic rock (silar), Arequipa is one of the country’s most visually stunning cities. Just beyond the white monuments of the central square are deep-hued buildings that tell the city’s past, such as the blue-and-red Santa Catalina Monastery, built in 1579, and lively picanterias (traditional lunchtime restaurants). On the outskirts of the city, surrounded by volcanoes, is the Ruta del Silar (Volcanic Rock Trail), which showcases the extraction, production and lives of the workers. Witness the breathtaking flight of giant Andean condors over the rim of Cañon del Colca (Colca Canyon), one of the deepest canyons in the world and Peru’s most popular trekking spot.
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world © saiko3p / Getty Images
7. Lake Titicaca
Great for playing on the water
Lake Titicaca, which separates Bolivia from Peru, was a sacred body of water for the Incas. In fact, Andean mythology often says that this high-altitude lake was the birthplace of the first Inca king, Manco Capac, and his wife, Mama Ocllo. A geological marvel, Lake Titicaca sits 3,810 metres (12,500 feet) 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 and meet the Uros people, who live a fascinating life dedicated to preserving indigenous crafts and fishing. Tourism is very important to this community, and some families offer homestays.
Local tip: bring a warm jacket if you plan to spend time on deck. Three types of boats ply these waters: Veloz (fast speedboats), lancha rápida (speedboats) and embarcaciones artesanales (traditional boats), which take twice as long as speedboats.
It takes several days of hiking to reach the summit of Choquequirao, also known as the mini Machu Picchu © Christian Declercq / Shutterstock
8. Choquequirao
Perfect for the brave hiker
Can you imagine having Machu Picchu all to yourself? Packed with history, challenging hiking trails and stunning views, Choquequirao is often described as a mini Machu Picchu, but its size belies it. Though at least twice the size of the famous Inca citadel and similar in structure, Choquequirao is only small in visitor numbers. A steep climb of at least four days round trip will filter out many potential visitors, leaving only the most intrepid hikers. At an elevation of 3050 meters (10,010 feet), Choquequirao is mostly lost in dense jungle brush. Reaching this high-altitude gem with few other visitors is like stumbling upon a hidden treasure, or as the name suggests, the name means “cradle of gold” in Quechua.
Planning tip: Bring a water filter. Any water you find along the way is not drinkable. Water sources are scarce, so replenish with water whenever you can.
9. Oxapampa
Perfect for the unexpected
A jungle town founded by Austrian and German settlers in the 19th century, Oxapampa is a unique place with unexpected architecture and local cuisine. Just beyond the main square and Tyrolean architecture lies the lush mountainside, perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. A little further afield is Yanachaga-Xemiren National Park. In the past decade, a new wave of immigrants, mainly from Lima, have arrived, giving rise to new sustainable tourism ventures and a drive to continue the annual music and cultural festival, Selvamonos.
Planning tip: A 50-mile (80-kilometer) bus ride away is Oxapampa’s small but ancient neighboring town of Pozuso, which has its own Oktoberfest called Pozusofest.
Puerto Maldonado offers convenient access to Peru’s wildlife-rich jungle © marktucan / Shutterstock
10. Puerto Maldonado
Great for wildlife
In the heart of the Southern Amazon rainforest, Puerto Maldonado provides convenient access to some of Peru’s best wildlife-rich jungle. From here, you can venture into Tambopata National Reserve, one of the few remaining untouched areas of the rainforest. Spread across 2,745 square kilometers (1,060 square miles) and surrounded by lakes, rivers and forests, the reserve is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, home to thousands of species of butterflies and hundreds of other birds, mammals and plants. Located in the Madre de Dios region, Puerto Maldonado is a 1.5-hour flight from Lima. Popular with travelers of all ages, the city has a much more laid-back atmosphere than bustling Iquitos to the north, making it appealing to families and longer stays.
Flying over sand dunes near Ica, Peru © Capturando Kilometros / Shutterstock
11. Squid
Great for sandboarding adventures
The vast Ica Desert is home to the surreal desert oasis of Huacachina. See the sparkling waters (where local legend says mermaids live) and enjoy an adrenaline-pumping experience by sandboarding or racing down the dunes on a dune buggy. Escape the harsh desert sun by day to explore the Ica Regional Museum or take a tasting tour of pisco, Peru’s national spirit. With year-round sunshine and just a four-hour drive or bus ride from Lima, Ica offers days of fun. And if that’s not enough, the famous Nazca Lines and the so-called “Poor Man’s Galapagos,” the Ballestas Islands, are just an hour and a half away.
12. Cajamarca
Great for cheese lovers
The northern Andean town of Cajamarca is the fateful site where Spanish conquistadors captured the last Inca king, Atahualpa, in the 16th century. Many remnants of Inca history remain in the area, including the Cuarto del Rescate (Ransom Room), where Atahualpa packed up his treasure to plead for his release, and his favourite hot springs, now called Los Baños del Inca. Take time to explore the idyllic countryside nearby, such as a visit to the dairy farm of Grana Porcón to get your hands dirty or visit the archaeological site of Cumbemayo.
Local tip: Cheese is a specialty of Cajamarca and is sold in many shops around the Plaza de Armas.
Creative Barranco is one of Lima’s fashionable neighborhoods © fotonio / Getty Images
13. Barranco, Lima
Perfect for a bohemian vibe
Bohemian, hip and creative, Barranco is the capital city of Lima’s coolest neighborhood. This coastal district is highly walkable, with numerous boutiques, bars and cafes on almost every block. World-famous restaurants like Central, Kyolle, Isolina and Melito are all found here. Many local artists live or have studios in Barranco, so there’s always a gallery or exhibition nearby. Visit Jade Rivera World, where you’ll find street-art-inspired works, the large contemporary art museum, and artisan shops like Puna, Dédalo and Las Pallas.
Local tip: Sip strong pisco cocktails with locals in the vintage bars, converted mansions and chic lounges around City Park, which bustles with revelers on Friday and Saturday nights.
This article was first published on August 12, 2021 and updated on November 10, 2023.
