From the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu to the stunning landscapes of the Colca Canyon, Peru is a country with much to offer tourists. If you’re planning a trip to Peru, or are simply curious about what this South American nation has to offer, read on for our list of the 10 best places to visit in Peru.
Cusco
Cusco is a city in southeastern Peru, near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes mountain range. It is the capital of the Cusco Region as well as the Cusco Province. The city has a population of 435,014 (2015 census).
Founded by the Quechua people in the 13th century, Cusco was later conquered by the Inca Empire (ca. 1400–1533). The city became known as the “Imperial City” or “City of Kings” because it was the last refuge of the Inca ruler Manco Inca Yupanqui after he was defeated by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1533.
Today, Cusco is an important tourist destination in Peru; it is one of 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country and one of 28 finalists for the New7Wonders Cities competition. In 2013, readers of Travel + Leisure magazine voted it as “The Best Destination in South America”.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru. The ancient Inca site is located high in the Andes Mountains, and is reachable by train or hike. Many visitors choose to take a guided tour of Machu Picchu, as there is much to learn about the history and culture of the Inca people.
Lima
Lima is the capital of Peru and one of the largest cities in South America. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru. Lima has a lot to offer tourists, including a variety of historical and cultural sights, as well as plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining.
Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Lima include the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Museo Larco. The Plaza de Armas is the central square of Lima and is home to several important buildings, including the Presidential Palace and the City Hall. The Cathedral of Lima is one of the most important religious buildings in Peru, and is a must-see for any visitor to Lima. The Museo Larco is a museum dedicated to Peruvian culture and history, and houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian art.
In addition to its many historical and cultural attractions, Lima also offers a wide range of shopping and dining options. Visitors can find everything from traditional Peruvian crafts to modern designer fashion in Lima's many shops. And when it comes to dining, Lima has something for everyone, with a variety of restaurants serving up both local and international cuisine.
The Amazon
The Amazon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru. Situated in thePeruvian Amazon rainforest, the Amazon is home to some of the most biodiverse wildlife on the planet. Visitors can take part in jungle safaris, river cruises, and visits to indigenous villages. The Amazon is also a great place to learn about Peruvian culture and history.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world. It is located in the Andes mountain range, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia. The lake is home to several indigenous peoples, including the Uros, who live on floating islands made of reeds.
Visitors to Lake Titicaca can take part in a variety of activities, including boat tours, hikes, and visits to local villages. There are also a number of Inca ruins located around the lake, making it a great destination for history buffs.
Arequipa
If you’re looking for an action-packed trip, Arequipa is the place for you. This city has something for everyone, from hiking and biking to exploring ancient ruins.
Arequipa is home to many of Peru’s most popular attractions, including the Colca Canyon, the world’s deepest canyon. This natural wonder is a must-see for any traveler.
In addition to the Colca Canyon, Arequipa is also home to the Santa Catalina Monastery, a beautiful Spanish colonial structure that dates back to the 16th century. This monastery is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru.
Arequipa is also a great place for foodies. The city is home to some of the best restaurants in Peru, serving up local specialties like ceviche and pisco sour.
If you’re looking for an action-packed trip, Arequipa is the perfect destination. With its many attractions, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Colca Canyon
Located in the Andes Mountains, Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world. It's more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Peru. The Colca Valley is also home to several indigenous villages, making it a great place to experience traditional Peruvian culture.
Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are a set of ancient geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert in southern Peru. The lines were created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE. The lines include over 800 straight lines, 300 geometric shapes, and 70 animal and plant figures.
The Nazca Lines are one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world. Despite being created over 2,000 years ago, they remain largely undamaged by the elements. The lines were likely created for religious or ceremonial purposes, though their exact purpose is still unknown.
If you're interested in visiting the Nazca Lines, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, the best time to visit is between May and October when the weather is dryer. Second, there are a number of tour companies that offer day trips from Lima or Nazca City. And finally, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the desert can be quite hot during this time of year.
Huaraz
If you're looking for an adventure, Huaraz is the perfect place to start your trip to Peru. With its stunning scenery and hiking trails, Huaraz is a nature lover's paradise.
The city of Huaraz is located in the Ancash region of Peru, about 10 hours north of Lima. The best time to visit Huaraz is from May to September, when the weather is dry and sunny.
There are plenty of things to do in Huaraz, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. You can also go whitewater rafting or kayaking on the nearby Santa Cruz River.
If you're looking for a little culture, you can visit the Museum of Ancash, which has exhibits on the history and culture of the region. Or you can explore the ruins of the ancient city of Chavín de Huantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chavin de Huantar
Chavin de Huantar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru. The ancient ruins and stunning scenery make it a must-see for anyone visiting the country.
The ruins of Chavin de Huantar are some of the most well-preserved in all of Peru. They date back to the early days of the Chavin civilization, which flourished between 1500 and 300 BC. The site was used as a religious center and was home to many elaborate temples and sculptures.
Today, visitors can explore the ruins and see firsthand the incredible craftsmanship of the Chavin people. The nearby museum contains many artifacts from the site, including pottery, jewelry, and tools.
The scenic setting of Chavin de Huantar is another reason to visit. The ruins are located in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains. hiking trails in the area offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.