Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Peru
After visiting 45 countries across 6 continents, I can confidently say that Peru is by far the most diverse country I have traveled to on my journeys.
Back in February 2020, I was lucky enough to spend 3 weeks exploring the country, however, I feel like I only scratched the surface of experiencing everything this amazing country has to offer.
Peru is the perfect introduction to the region for first-time travelers to Latin America. The country is bursting with life and diversity, boasting a range of breathtaking landscapes - from the jungles of the Amazon Rainforest and ancient cities to spectacular mountain ranges and vast deserts.
But even with 2.5 million tourists making the journey each year, Peru still maintains its original distinct charm while simultaneously providing high-quality tourist infrastructure to cater to every type of traveler — whether you're a first-time backpacker or an experienced world explorer.
But with all the spectacular places in the country to explore, it is hard to know where to start.
To help make it easier for you, we have made a list of the top 10 must-see places in Peru.
Marvel at Machu Picchu
Where: Aguas Caliente, 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of Cusco
Even if you only have a little travel knowledge, you must have heard about Machu Picchu. Taking the title of one of the 7 modern wonders of the world, and with over 1.5 million visitors a year (over 4,000 a day), the destination is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, and for many good reasons!
People fly from all over the world every day to marvel at the Lost Incan City, once thought to connect the Incas to the heavens. Take in its stunning ancient ruins surrounded by lush mountain ranges and cliffs and learn about its rich cultural and historical significance.
There are different ways to get to Machu Picchu. The most common is taking the train from Cusco and walking straight to the sight. While this is a great way to experience Machu Picchu, the site can get very crowded and you might not have a serene experience.
If you feel up for the challenge, you can immerse yourself even further into the culture by walking in the footsteps of the Incan civilization. The most popular and famous hiking route is the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
This is one of the best treks in the world and one of the best ways to access ruins and landmarks that are not accessible by vehicles.
If this sounds like a challenge you may want to take on, but need a bit more information, our blog How Difficult is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, can give you a more in-depth understanding of what the Inca Trail is, what you can expect and how to prepare yourself for the trek.
Travel With Trekking Pals provides incredible itineraries to hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and explore Peru off the beaten path.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is the dry Season (May to October), but the ruins can still be visible and accessed year-round. I went at the rainiest time of the year, and although the view was quite misty when I first arrived, the clouds quickly disappeared and I had an incredible view.
Machu Picchu Travel Tips :
Adjust to the elevation: The landmark sits at a high altitude of 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) above sea level so we recommend spending several days in Cusco acclimatizing to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Time your trip: Although Machu Picchu itself is open year-round, the Inca Trail is closed during February due to annual maintenance and heavy rainfall. So if you want to hike, you'll need to pick a different month.
See the colors of Rainbow Mountain
Where: 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of Cusco
Rainbow Mountain, also known as The Mountain of Seven Colours, is one of the most unique and beautiful places in Peru. Every day, hundreds of tourists make the long day trip from Cusco to hike the captivating mountain and admire its incredible naturally occurring layered rainbow sand and clay formations.
The hike itself is 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the starting point and takes around 2 hours to complete. Although the trek up is not that long, it is physically demanding and challenging due to the high attitude. At its peak, the mountain stands at a jaw-dropping 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level.
When I took on the mountain, the closer I got to the top, the harder each step became, but I eventually made it to the end and all the discomfort I had experienced along the way was completely worth it. Trust me - the pictures don’t come close to doing it justice!
If you find it a bit too much of a challenge, you have the option to hire a mule or a horse for part of the journey to make it easier. Regardless, it will be an unforgettable experience either way.
Rainbow Mountain Travel Tips:
Remember the essentials: It will be a long day so it is best to come prepared. Make sure you pack your day hiking essentials, and wear comfortable hiking clothes but also pack extra warm items like gloves, a beanie, and thick socks - it can get very chilly up there!
Fight off altitude sickness: Bring some coca products such as loose leaves or candies to chew on to help alleviate any symptoms of altitude sickness - just in case!
If you’re not feeling well, the best way to recover is to go back to lower elevation. Listen to your guide and trust their judgment.
Soak in the Amazon Rainforest
Where: Northeastern and Southeastern Peru
The Amazon Rainforest is home to some of the most diverse wildlife on Earth and is known for being one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The rainforest is overflowing with exciting activities and sights that should be on everyone's bucket list.
Take a ride down the river on a boat cruise, visit Indigenous communities, and go on a jungle trek to see some unbelievably unique animals such as giant otters, jaguars, and pygmy marmosets (the world's smallest monkey!). Keep in mind that you may also encounter some less-than-friendly wildlife like anacondas and spiders - so be prepared!!
Travelling to the Amazon Rainforest by yourself is simply not possible and not to mention would be extremely dangerous! To explore this region, you must book a tour with a travel company. There is a lot to see so the minimum tour length is usually 3-4 Days, but they can go all the way up to 14 days.
Amazon Rainforest Travel Tips:
Do your research: Find a reputable tour company with good reviews for the safest and most enjoyable experience - and remember to book at least a few months in advance to make sure you secure one that is most suited to you.
Prepare yourself: You will be exploring the jungle, so make sure you are physically and mentally prepared. Check what is provided on your tour and don’t forget to pack the essentials, e.g. lots of mosquito repellent!
Explore the Ancient City of Cusco
Where: Southeastern Peru, Cusco Region
The city of Cusco, once the Ancient Incan capital from the 13th century until the 16th century, is still a thriving, timeless city to this day. Overflowing with history, life, and countless places to explore. when you arrive in this city you will feel like you have stepped into another world. You'll quickly be engulfed by its vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.
To best discover Cusco and make the most of everything it has to offer, we strongly recommend you join a guided walking tour. In addition to this, you can spend time wandering around heritage sites, haggling at the local markets, visiting the countless museums admiring street entertainers, and eating delicious food, all the while acclimating to the altitude to get yourself ready to start other activities you have planned in the area.
Apart from being a destination in itself, the city is also a great base for many other amazing experiences around the Cusco region - including the legendary Inca Trail and Machu Picchu trek. So regardless of what you are planning to do in Peru, you will most likely end up spending a decent amount of time in the city anyway, but the good news is you’ll never run out of things to do and see!
Cusco Travel Tips:
Explore by foot: Make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes that won’t slow you down or hurt as you walk through the hills of this historic city
Be respectful: Cusco is an ancient city with connections to the Incan empire -always remember to be mindful of the locals; ask permission to take photos, and be respectful at religious sites.
Explore Colca Canyon
Where: 210 kilometers (130 miles) north of Arequipa
It is hard to describe how breathtakingly beautiful the Colca Canyon is in person.
Among one the deepest canyons in the world (at over twice the depth of the Grand Canyon!), the canyon sees over 150,000 tourists pass through every year. The hike through Colca Canyon is one of the most amazing sights available for tourists in Peru and should be near the top of every adventure-goer’s to-do list while in the country.
Like with most treks through Peru, altitude will be a factor, and at an elevation of around 3,600 meters (11,800 feet), so it is recommended that you do not push yourself and allow your body to adjust to the new height. Luckily, Arequipa, the nearest large city to the canyon, is at a similar elevation and is where most tourists visit before making the trek across the canyon.
Transportation is available via a 6-hour bus ride to Cabanaconde.
If you are up for the challenge, you can join a group tour of the canyon (while you can do it without a guide, it is recommended especially for newer hikers). The hike will take 2-3 days, but you will have plenty of time to stop and marvel at the scenic panoramas around you - so make sure you bring a camera and maybe even some binoculars to gaze at the famous Andean condors circling above on sunny days!
Colca Canyon Travel Tips:
Bring mosquito repellant: Mosquitos are very active in the canyon, especially at night, so be prepared with some repellant to avoid being bitten.
Bring a swimsuit: Multiple hot springs line the canyon, the most popular being La Calera hot springs. Take the opportunity to go for a relaxing dip if you can!
Hike to Lake Humantay
Where: Soraypampa, 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of Cusco
A visit to Lake Humantay is one of the many fantastic day trips that you can have from Cusco. The lake sits at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level and is home to incredible turquoise waters surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Located roughly a 3-hour drive from Cusco, Lake Humantay is short but breathtaking. It takes most trekkers around 1-2 hours to complete, and make sure to stay on the lookout for the majestic flying Condors above you during your hike!
Most tourists opt for a day-long tour of the lake, but some choose to combine their visit with the 5-day Salkantay Trek which takes you to Machu Picchu. Whichever you choose, you will be grateful that you went and brought a camera to capture the beautiful waters, mountains, and valleys.
Lake Humantay Travel Tips:
Travel with a group: You can get to Soraypampa with a taxi or bus, and the hike is a challenge - so unless you are an experienced solo hiker it’s easiest and safest to go with a group, or as part of a tour.
Bring a packed lunch: If you are not on a tour with lunch included, we recommend bringing some packed lunch for a picnic with an unforgettable backdrop!
Visit the Ballestas Islands
Where: Paracas, 240 kilometers (150 miles) south of Lima
When you think about nature in Peru, you might automatically think of the Amazon rainforest or the vast mountain ranges. However, some lesser famous, but equally impressive destinations lay along the country's coast. The Ballestas Islands highlight the remarkable biodiversity of Peru’s landscapes, and you will be left speechless by the natural beauty and unique wildlife of the area.
The islands are easily accessible if you are staying in the town of Paracas, however, you can also make it a full-day trip from Lima, which is a 2-hour drive away. You will embark on a 2-hour boat tour to visit the islands, often likened to the Galapagos Islands, sometimes even referred to as “the Poor Man's Galapagos” (as they are much more affordable to see in comparison).
During the boat trip, you will see some spectacular views of the coast, but the most interesting part is spotting the unique wildlife. Expect to see some Humboldt penguins, flamingos, dolphins, condors, cormorants, sea lions, and more. If you can visit during the sea lion calving season (January - March), you should be able to see the young sea lions relaxing on the rocks or getting into the water for the first time!
While you’re there, be sure to check out the Paracas National Reserve to get a look at the beauty of where the desert meets the sea and to take in all that the area has to offer.
Ballestas Islands Travel Tips:
Brace yourself for the smell: The smell of the area is... intense - but just push through and you should get used to it pretty quickly.
Prepare to get wet: There’s a high chance you will get wet from the waves crashing into your boat. Try to wear waterproof clothing if possible and make sure to bring a waterproof bag for your belongings.
Discover the Sacred Valley
Where: 55 kilometers (34 miles) northwest of Cusco
The Sacred Valley, running for 100 kilometers (62 miles) along the Urubamba River between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, was an agricultural center for the Incans for hundreds of years. The valley is breathtaking, and you can truly feel the rich culture and history of hundreds of years of Incan civilization while traveling through it.
While you can explore some of the valleys by car, we recommend going by foot to experience the wonderful views and sites of the Sacred Valley - especially the Inca Ruins outside of Pisac which is approximately a 2-hour hike away.
Patacancha, a small village within the valley, is home to a community of weavers who have passed on their ancient skills from generation to generation and is worth a visit as well.
Sacred Valley Travel Tips:
There is a lot to see: There are many villages, towns, and ruins to see, and while each village is unique, so we highly recommend prioritizing a visit to Patacancha to see the weavers, as well as the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray Inca site.
Get there early: As with most tourist hotspots, try to get there early and beat the rush as it can get quite busy - especially around Pisac.
Experience the Floating Uros Islands
Where: Lake Titicaca, Puno, southeastern Peru
Lake Titicaca, the highest-elevated lake in the world at 3,810 meters (12,500 feet), is home to the mysterious Uros Islands - a collection of amazing man-made islands floating on top of the lake (you can even bounce on the islands if you try!).
Exploring the islands via a half-day guided tour is the best way to see the islands, and this includes a 30-minute boat ride from the port of Puno. When you arrive at the islands, your guide will walk you around and teach you about the cultural significance of the lake and islands and about the locals' unique way of life. Along the way, the guide will share many interesting facts and answer any questions you have - and trust me, you will have a lot!
You will get the opportunity to go on (or if you’re lucky enough, even help row) the traditional reed boats which have been around for hundreds of years. Along with this, you will be given time to wander through the small villages enjoy the spectacular beauty of Lake Titicaca, and shop for some handcrafted souvenirs made by the locals on the island.
Lake Titicaca Travel Tips:
Bring cash: If you see any souvenirs you would like to buy (and you most likely will), you will have to pay for them with cash. So make sure you bring some with you before leaving Puno because unfortunately there are no ATMs on the floating island!
Respect the locals: The locals have a very unique set of customs and way of life. You may be invited to have a look inside their houses, and show respect by asking permission before taking any photos and do not leave any rubbish behind.
Visit Arequipa
Where: 300 kilometers (200 miles) southwest of Cusco
Arequipa, Peru’s second most populated city, is a charming city known for its stunning Spanish colonial architecture and cultural significance. The historical center, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, gives you a window into Peru’s colonial past with its unique blend of European and Indigenous features.
The city is also referred to as the “White City” (or Ciudad Blanca), due to the majority of the buildings being constructed from sillar, a white volcanic stone, giving the city a distinct and unique look. This stone material was sourced from three nearby volcanoes that surround the city - Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu, but don’t worry -the volcanoes are considered dormant today and make for great day hikes!
You could spend weeks alone exploring Arequipa; start at the Plaza de Armas and begin to immerse yourself in the rich religious culture by exploring the well-preserved bustling streets, plazas, and churches, enjoying the local traditional cuisine (such as Ocopa and Rocoto Relleno) and wandering through the lively markets. It is also a great base for many day trips to some of the smaller mountains between Arequipa and Colca Canyon. This is also the perfect place to acclimatize for a few days before adventuring on to the Colca Canyon.
Arequipa Travel Tips:
Beware of tourist traps: Like many popular tourist destinations, there may be locals dressed in traditional outfits offering to take photos with you - just keep in mind that they will expect payment in return, and if you don’t agree on a price beforehand, they may demand a very high price.
Enjoy the music: Attend a peña, a local venue where you can eat, drink, and enjoy watching a performance of traditional Peruvian folk music and dance.
